PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A FedEx driver, who was arrested last week after being accused of trying to sexually assault a child in Aloha, has now been linked to multiple child sex abuse victims, officials said Monday.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said detectives with the office’s Violent Crimes Unit learned through community reports and investigative work that Alejandro Negrete, who was arrested Friday afternoon, has been connected to at least four other child victims.
“Over the weekend, we were able to confirm there were additional victims and through our investigation we came across information that leads us to believe that there are multiple other victims out there who have not come forward,” Sgt. Danny DiPietro with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office told KOIN 6 News.
Negrete allegedly contacted the victims during his work as a FedEx driver. Negrete also allegedly sexually assaulted at least one other person while not delivering for FedEx.
The 24-year-old Portland resident has delivered for FedEx for about a year, with routes in Southwest Portland, Beaverton, Aloha and Tigard.
“We understand he drives a FedEx truck, he was delivering the SW Portland, Beaverton, Aloha, Tigard area,” DiPietro said, “but that doesn’t mean that’s the only place he came in contact with his victims.”
Authorities are asking parents in those areas to speak with their children and that anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at any time at 503.846.2700.
Negrete was initially charged with one count each of attempted sexual abuse in the first degree and attempted sodomy in the first degree after investigators said he made a delivery at a home on Southwest 160th Avenue on Friday and offered a 9-year-old girl candy, then tried to assault her. The girl was able to escape, according to authorities, and deputies were able to track down the driver with the help of FedEx.
In a statement, FedEx officials said: “FedEx Ground is deeply appalled by these reports. We expect the highest levels of conduct from service providers and their employees and are cooperating fully with the investigating authorities at this time.”
On Monday, a Washington County judge raised his bail to $250,000. Negrete is still in jail.
Negrete is expected to face additional charges as the investigation continues, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
“The sheriff’s office and the DA’s office are working together for additional charges as of right now, the gentleman has not been charged with them but we do anticipate them to come in the very near future,” he said.