Attempting To Locate Suspect Who Failed To Appear For Trial

Eugene Police Department

 

Police are attempting to locate Derrek Van Nelson, age 27, of Springfield, after he failed to appear in court for his scheduled jury trial on four counts of Sodomy in the First Degree and four counts of Sex Abuse in the First Degree.

 

Nelson’s release and bail reduction were imposed by the court in May 2020 and he was subsequently released on a release agreement requiring him to wear an ankle monitor.  Nelson tampered with this monitor on the date of his scheduled trial.  His release and bail reduction was opposed by the Lane County District Attorney’s office.

 

If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Detective John Jensen at 541.682.5187.

 

 

ORS 162.325/Hindering Prosecution

A person commits the crime of hindering prosecution if, with intent to hinder the apprehension, prosecution, conviction or punishment of a person who has committed a crime punishable as a felony, or with the intent to assist a person who has committed a crime punishable as a felony in profiting or benefiting from the commission of the crime, the person:

(a) Harbors or conceals such person; or

(b) Warns such person of impending discovery or apprehension; or

(c) Provides or aids in providing such person with money, transportation, weapon, disguise or other means of avoiding discovery or apprehension; or

(d) Prevents or obstructs, by means of force, intimidation or deception, anyone from performing an act which might aid in the discovery or apprehension of such person; or

(e) Suppresses by any act of concealment, alteration or destruction physical evidence which might aid in the discovery or apprehension of such person; or

(f) Aids such person in securing or protecting the proceeds of the crime.

(2) Hindering prosecution is a Class C felony. [1971 c.743 §207]