On March 2, 2025, deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) received a report of domestic violence in the Bethany community at an apartment near NW West Union Rd. and NW Bethany Blvd. Deputies learned 26-year-old Jesse Lee St. Marie Blankenship assaulted a woman several days earlier. Blankenship was also wanted by the Gresham Police Department for assaulting and strangling the same woman in February 2025. Deputies then learned Blankenship had a felony warrant for parole violation related to a prior conviction for assaulting a different woman.
While conducting surveillance on the apartment, deputies spotted Blankenship getting into an SUV during the early morning hours of March 4. As deputies moved in to arrest him, Blankenship jumped out of the SUV and tried to run but deputies immediately captured and arrested him.
Detectives from the WCSO Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene. During the investigation, detectives learned Blankenship was involved in sex trafficking as well as being physically violent to multiple people.
On March 17, a Washington County grand jury heard evidence on the case and issued a 21-count indictment. On March 20, a Multnomah County grand jury heard evidence as well and indicted Blankenship for nine additional charges.
Blankenship has been held without bail at the Washington County Jail since March 4. In addition to his parole violation, Blankenship is facing the following charges in Washington County:
- Compelling prostitution – two counts
- Promoting prostitution – two counts
- Coercion – five counts
- Assault in the second degree – two counts
- Harassment
- Assault in the fourth degree (felony) – two counts
- Assault in the fourth degree (misdemeanor) – two counts
- Menacing – two counts
- Recklessly endangering another person
- Causing another person to ingest a controlled substance
- Tampering with a witness
- Supplying contraband – two counts
Blankenship was indicted for the following charges in Multnomah County:
- Strangulation (felony)
- Assault in the fourth degree (misdemeanor) – three counts
- Coercion
- Menacing
- Theft in the second degree
- Harassment – two counts
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are likely. Detectives believe there are additional victims and witnesses and would like to speak with anyone who has information about Blankenship. Please call 503-846-2500 and reference case 50-25-3033.
The release of Blankenship’s booking photo is for law enforcement purposes and is in accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273 for the identification of additional criminal activity.
