PORTLAND, Ore. — A 36-year-old Oregon City man is facing a federal kidnapping charge after a missing 10-year-old girl was found inside an Oregon City residence following a multi-agency law enforcement search.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced that Vince Edgar Chavez has been charged by federal criminal complaint with kidnapping a minor.
According to court documents, the child was reported missing from her Clackamas County home during the early morning hours of October 28, 2026. Responding officers discovered evidence indicating the girl had been taken and immediately launched an investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Investigators identified Chavez as a person of interest through interviews, investigative leads and previous contacts with law enforcement.
Because authorities believed the child could be in immediate danger, investigators obtained emergency cellphone records. The FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team analyzed the information, helping direct officers toward a residence on Pleasant Avenue in Oregon City. A white van associated with Chavez was also located nearby.
At approximately 1:46 p.m., FBI agents observed Chavez accessing the vehicle before returning to the residence.
Based on probable cause and concerns for the child’s safety, law enforcement officers entered the home under emergency circumstances. Inside, officers located the missing girl concealed in a bedroom and safely recovered her. Chavez was arrested at the scene.
The child was transported for a medical evaluation. Other individuals found at the residence were interviewed and told investigators they had no knowledge the child was inside the home.
Multiple Agencies Assisted in the Search
The federal complaint alleges Chavez transported the child by vehicle across multiple jurisdictions, using public roadways and a cellphone in connection with the alleged kidnapping. Those circumstances provide the basis for federal jurisdiction under the kidnapping statute.
The investigation involved the FBI Portland Field Office, Oregon City Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and additional local law enforcement partners.
U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford credited the coordinated response and rapid investigative work for helping locate the child.
Bradford said the recovery demonstrated the importance of law enforcement agencies working together and remaining focused on locating missing children and protecting their safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rochat is prosecuting the case.
Chavez is charged by federal criminal complaint. The charge remains an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
