08/22/2025
JEFFERSON COUNTY, OREGON - BREAKING: Arrest at Camp Caldera for Sexual Abuse: What Families Need to Know
Law enforcement in Jefferson County, Oregon, arrested a Portland man on Thursday in connection with alleged s*xual misconduct while working at Camp Caldera near Sisters. Multiple witnesses have given statements, and investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward. Our firm represents survivors of s*xual abuse; below is what is publicly known so far and how we can support affected families.
What’s been reported
Local outlets report that Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is investigating multiple allegations of s*xual misconduct tied to Camp Caldera (near Blue Lake, west of Sisters/Camp Sherman). An initial report was taken on August 12, followed by interviews at a neutral location where several individuals provided detailed statements.
The suspect was initially identified to deputies by a nickname (“Bear”) and later confirmed as Zackary Perry of Portland. He was arrested in Portland on August 21 with assistance from the Portland Police Bureau’s Special Emergency Reaction Team and Child Abuse Team. (KTVZ)
According to the JCSO release quoted by KTVZ, allegations include r**e, so**my, s*xual abuse, and s*xual pe*******on towards victims at the camp. Investigators are seeking additional information from anyone who may have relevant details. (KTVZ)
The Charges
Media reports reflect the following booking charges after the arrest (charges can differ by outlet as new information is released). KTVZ reports that Perry was lodged on:
• R**e in the First Degree (ORS 163.375)
• Unlawful Sexual Pe*******on in the First Degree (ORS 163.411)
• So**my in the Second Degree (ORS 163.395)
• Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (ORS 163.425)
• Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree (ORS 163.415)
• Assault in the Fourth Degree (ORS 163.160)
• Harassment (ORS 166.065) (
KATU/KCBY also report charges including first-degree r**e, second-degree s*xual abuse, first-degree unlawful s*xual pe*******on, second-degree so**my, harassment, fourth-degree assault, and third-degree s*xual abuse. (KCBY)
How Camp Caldera has responded
Coverage indicates Camp Caldera/Caldera Arts stated the individual worked as a “Youth Advocate and Media Coordinator” (not a counselor), that he was terminated after staff raised concerns, that the organization reported the matter to law enforcement, and that it has no information that any youth were impacted. The organization says it is cooperating with the Sheriff’s Office. (https://www.kptv.com, The Nugget Newspaper)
Important: An arrest and charging document are allegations. In criminal proceedings, the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Timeline at a glance
• Aug. 12, 2025: JCSO receives initial report; multiple witnesses provide statements identifying the suspect. (KTVZ)
• Aug. 21, 2025: Arrest in Portland with assistance from PPB SERT/Child Abuse Team; suspect booked in Jefferson County. (KTVZ)
• Aug. 21–22, 2025: Local media publish articles summarizing the allegations, charges, and organizational statements; JCSO invites additional tips. (KTVZ, https://www.kptv.com, KCBY)
What this means for families and staff
Investigations of institutional abuse often move quickly at first and then proceed more slowly as agencies gather statements, review records, and determine the scope of harm. Survivors and witnesses frequently struggle with whether to come forward. From our experience representing survivors of abuse in youth-serving settings, early legal advice can help protect privacy, preserve evidence, and ensure your voice is heard in any criminal or civil process.
If you or someone you love was experienced or witnessed boundary violations, grooming behaviors, or abuse at Camp Caldera —or if you simply have questions—you can speak with us confidentially. You do not have to file a report to get advice, and you are entitled to explore your options at your own pace.
Our commitment to survivors
• Break the silence: We help survivors and families safely tell their story, on their terms.
• Protect your privacy: We can help survivors navigate legal processes to minimize additional trauma and maximize protections and confidentiality.
• Pursue reform: Beyond individual cases, we advocate for policy changes—training, reporting protocols, supervision, and screening—so that what happened is less likely to happen again.
If you, your child, or someone you know may have been affected at Camp Caldera or in another youth-serving organizations—or if you have information that could help—contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen, explain your options (criminal, civil, and restorative), and help you decide what’s right for you. You are not alone. We are here to help.
You can also provide tips directly to law enforcement by contacting the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 541-475-6520 and asking for Detective Capehart or Deputy Larson.
Sources & further reading
• KTVZ (includes timeline, list of charges, and investigator contact request). (KTVZ)
• KPTV/FOX 12 (includes Caldera Arts’ statement and JCSO contact information). (https://www.kptv.com)
• KATU/KCBY (charge list and arrest summary). (KCBY)
• The Nugget News (Sisters) (local context; cites Caldera Arts’ public statement). (The Nugget Newspaper)
We will continue monitoring credible updates. If new information is released by law enforcement, prosecutors, or the camp, we’ll update this post to keep families informed.
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