MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OR (Friday, June 20th, 2025) - A Multnomah County corrections deputy has been arrested and charged following a criminal investigation into alleged sexual misconduct involving two adults in custody.
On Monday, June 16, 2025, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) detectives presented evidence to a Multnomah County Grand Jury, which returned an indictment against 54-year-old Edwin Diaz.
Diaz is charged with:
- Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, three counts
- Custodial Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree, three counts
- Custodial Sexual Misconduct in the Second Degree, two counts
- Official Misconduct in the First Degree, 17 counts
Diaz was arrested and booked into the Columbia County jail on Thursday, June 19. He is scheduled to be arraigned today, Friday, June 20, in Multnomah County.
The investigation began after a MCSO detective received an anonymous note from an adult in custody, in October 2024, stating that Diaz engaged in inappropriate conduct with female adults in custody in the jail. Diaz was placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.
To avoid any conflicts of interest or bias, the detective contacted the Portland Police Bureau. A Portland Police detective led the criminal investigation with support from the detective.
At that time, only one victim had been identified, and she could not be located for an interview. There was insufficient evidence to pursue charges.
In March 2025, the woman returned to custody, and she was interviewed. The detective used jail video and witness interviews to corroborate her account.
Around the same time, the Oregon Department of Corrections submitted a report of alleged abuse to the Sheriff’s Office, which identified a second female victim.
Detectives learned the alleged criminal conduct occurred over the span of several months in 2024.
Detectives believe there may be additional women who were impacted by Diaz’s conduct. In accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273(1)(c), MCSO is releasing a booking photo of Edwin Diaz to the public to aid in the identification of addtional potential victims and criminal activity.
Anyone with information about Edwin Diaz, or who may have experienced misconduct, is urged to contact:
- MCSO Detective Dylan Lerch: " data-linkindex="3">,
- Portland Police Bureau Detective Jordan Zaitz: ",
- Or submit an anonymous tip by calling the MCSO Tip Line: 503-988-0560.
Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell stated:
“I am deeply troubled by the allegations against Edwin Diaz. Individuals in our custody are entrusted to our care, and it is our duty and responsibility to ensure that they are always treated with dignity and respect. Any abuse of power by those in positions of authority, such as the conduct Diaz is accused of, not only causes direct harm, but also undermines the integrity of our organization and is a violation of public trust. I commend the victims for their courage in coming forward. We are committed to full accountability and transparency, and I trust the criminal justice system to pursue these allegations with the seriousness it demands.”
Following Diaz’s arrest on felony charges, the MCSO took immediate steps to place Diaz on unpaid administrative leave in accordance with Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures.
The criminal case is being prosecuted by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
No further comment nor records will be released because this is an ongoing criminal investigation.
Image descriptions: Columbia County booking photos of Edwin Diaz
