On May 9, 2025, Levi David Gray, a former Coffee Creek Correctional Facility employee, pleaded guilty to two counts of custodial sexual misconduct in the first degree. On May 23, 2025, Gray was sentenced to 20 months in prison and 5 years of probation.

The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) remains committed to upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability. The custodial sexual misconduct committed by former Correctional Sergeant Levi Gray is deeply troubling and disappointing. His actions violate the agency’s mission and undermine the trust placed in it by the public, staff, and adults in custody.

Sexual misconduct is unacceptable in any setting, but it is particularly egregious in a correctional environment where power dynamics must never be abused. DOC continues to work diligently to prevent such violations through staff training, reporting mechanisms, and technology.

The agency reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice. The Oregon Department of Corrections has zero tolerance for misconduct, and decisive action will continue to be taken to uphold ethical and legal responsibilities.

DOC Director Michael Reese provided a recorded statement: Director’s Message on Misconduct and Accountability

DOC employs 4,600 staff members at 12 institutions, two community corrections offices, and several centralized support facilities throughout the state. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of over 12,000 adults sentenced to more than 12 months of incarceration, and direct or indirect supervision of 24,000 offenders on felony supervision in the community. DOC is recognized nationally among correctional agencies for providing adults in custody with the cognitive, education, and job skills needed to become productive citizens when they transition back to their communities.

####

MALHEUR COUNTY - Owyhee Grocery (now known as The Rock Store) near Nyssa in Malheur County is among Oregon’s latest entries in the National Register of Historic Places. The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) recommended the nomination at their February 2025 meeting, recognizing the building’s role in regional commerce and as an outstanding example of 1930s roadside commercial architecture. The National Park Service, which maintains the National Register of Historic Places, accepted the nomination in May 2025.
 

Constructed in 1933 at the intersection of OR-201 and Owyhee Avenue, Owyhee Grocery has long served as a key commercial hub for travelers between Nyssa, Adrian, and the Owyhee Dam. Originally established as a service station, the store evolved into a convenience shop, self-service fuel station, and restaurant, continuing its role as a vital gathering place for the community. Architecturally, the building exemplifies 1930s roadside commercial design, with its deep setback from the roadway, ample pull-in parking, and distinctive façade featuring a parapeted gable clad in petrified wood and volcanic rock. It is recognized as locally significant for its contributions to regional commerce between 1933 and 1937 and as an excellent example of roadside commercial architecture unique to Malheur County.
 

Recognition of the Owyhee Grocery in the National Register of Historic Places aligns with the goals of the 2024-2033 Oregon Preservation Plan, which encourages the preservation and documentation of historically significant places that contribute to Oregon's cultural and architectural history.
 

The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Properties listed in the National Register are:

• Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
• Considered in the planning of federal or federally-assisted projects;
• Eligible for federal tax benefits;
• Qualify for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
• Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
• Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.

State law in Oregon requires local governments to offer a minimal level of protection for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places; the decisions about how to accomplish that goal reside with local governments, which also have the authority to create and regulate local historic districts and landmarks.
 

More information about the National Register and recent Oregon listings are online at oregonheritage.org (under the heading “Designate”).

###

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking a volunteer to serve a three-year term as the Equestrian Representative on the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants Advisory Committee starting in 2026.

The ten-member committee evaluates grant proposals for statewide trail projects. The committee meets once or twice a year, virtually or at locations throughout the state.

The time commitment varies and includes reviewing and evaluating 25 to 40 grant applications per year. Committee members serve three-year terms and are eligible to serve a second term.

Ideal candidates representing the interest of equestrian trail users can live anywhere in Oregon with experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Land management
• Recreation planning
• Trail planning or design
• Recreation related volunteerism, or
• A trail enthusiast who is uniquely qualified to evaluate statewide project proposals through other experience and involvement.

Strong candidates may also demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreational trail needs, other broad recreational issues and the importance of providing equitable, inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities.

Those interested in serving must submit an RTP advisory committee interest form by June 30, 2025. The form is available online and includes more detailed information about serving on the committee: https://form.jotform.com/232364818278162

The competitive grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and administered by OPRD. Grants are awarded to non-profits and government entities for motorized and non-motorized trail projects, including building new trails, improving existing trails and developing or improving trail facilities.

For more information about the advisory committee or application process, contact Jodi Bellefeuille, program coordinator, at ellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov">Jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-856-6316.