Linn County sex crime fugitive arrested

Gary Lewis Coomer, who was convicted in January of two first-degree felonies of sodomy, rape, and sexual abuse, did not appear for his sentencing hearing on Feb. 15 in Linn County Court. Ta.

According to a news release from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Coomer was found hiding in a property east of Lebanon on Thursday, Feb. 22, around 3:30 p.m.

“Law enforcement officers from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Police Department, and Sweet Home Police Department are working together to arrest Gary Coomer after he failed to appear in court for sentencing,” the news release states. .

Efforts to capture Coomer reportedly included surveillance, contacting Coomer’s associates, and following up on leads from the public.

“Coomer was ordered to surrender to law enforcement, which he ignored,” the release states. “When the Lebanese Police K-9 unit arrived on the scene and began giving instructions to Coomer, he peacefully surrendered.”

After his arrest, Coomer complained of medical problems and was taken to Lebanon Regional Hospital for tests, according to a news release. If he is found not guilty, he will be transferred to the Linn County Jail and held without bail pending sentencing, according to his release statement.

Coomer could face decades in prison under state law that requires minimum sentences for serious crimes involving victims. District Attorney Doug Martiney announced Coomer’s fugitive status in a Feb. 15 news release.

“We are actively searching for Coomer to take him into custody and will continue to do so,” Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan said in an email hours before Coomer’s arrest. ” he said.

The case against Coomer, who was indicted in April 2021, stems from an investigation that began in August 2020 after two girls alleged he sexually abused him. The girls, all under the age of 10, were known to Coomer, according to court documents. The crimes occurred between January and December 2019.

Coomer’s attorney did not return a call seeking comment Thursday.

In interviews with child advocacy group ABC House, the victims claimed that they were sexually abused by five associates of Coomer, including four adults and one juvenile. Court documents indicate a delinquency complaint has been filed against the juvenile.

One of the adults accused, Alana Partin, was sentenced last spring to 12-and-a-half years in prison for her role in victimizing the girls. Paltin, 42, was found guilty of four counts of first-degree sexual abuse in a jury trial. Paltin is appealing the decision, according to court records.

Coomer was initially charged with two counts of first-degree rape, three counts of first-degree sexual abuse, and one count of first-degree sodomy, which will be kept secret until the suspect is arrested or an arrest warrant is issued. was indicted for. . He was acquitted of single charges of rape and sexual abuse.

The $15,000 the father paid to secure Coomer’s release in November 2022 has been forfeited, according to court records.

Coomer has a pending case in Linn County on charges of possession of methamphetamine, failure to appear and harassment. He has previous convictions for driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, contempt of court, recklessly endangering another person, and attempted assault constituting domestic violence.

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