Police Investigating Complaints of Sex Offender Sending Letters to Local Women
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is investigating complaints generated by a Level 3 sex offender sending disturbing letters to female members of the southwest Oregon community.
Local law enforcement agencies have received multiple complaints from women who have received letters from 44-year-old Uriah Shawn Strauss. These letters are filled with sexually explicit content, causing alarm and fear for personal safety.
Douglas County Lieutenant Brad O'Dell said Strauss has requested assistance from women unknown to him and stalked them in the past. He said the suspect targeted females in public places where he detained and attempted to sexually assault them.
Strauss has contacted his victims through various methods including social media, phone book records, advertisements and magazine labels. He has stalked them at work, by phone, mail and e-mail. On two occasions, the suspect attempted to kidnap adult females for the purpose of sexual assault.
By law, this individual may not knowingly communicate in any manner with a person under 18 years of age with the intent to commit a crime. He also may not knowingly enter or remain in or upon premises where persons under 18 years of age regularly congregate such as schools, childcare centers and playgrounds.
Anyone who has received similar letters from Uriah Strauss -- especially if the recipient is under 18 years of age -- is urged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541)-440-4471.
