Officer Charged in Violent Abuse of 4-Year Old Boy Will Remain Behind Bars (VIDEO)

A judge refused to reduce bail from $1 million to $50,000 per Michael Abo's attorney's request.

(MCMINNVILLE) - Wednesday was a tough day for the family of a small boy who authorities say, suffered weeks of severe, traumatic abuse at the hands of a reserve police officer named Michael Abo.

Abo and his lawyer appeared in court Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in McMinnville at the Yamhill County Circuit Court in front of Judge Cynthia Easterday, seeking a reduction in the one million dollar bail amount set for Abo after his arrest on a pair of Measure 11 charges.

So far there are no charges against the mother, who lived with Abo during the time of the abuse, yet apparently failed to report it. The four-year old boy's future was virtually destroyed, he is alive but will never be able to walk or talk or function normally.

Among the boy's injuries are seven broken ribs, a ruptured bowel, severe brain injuries and he is reportedly covered from head to toe with rug burns.

The attorney representing Abo, Mark Cogan of Portland, told the court he believed his client was not a flight risk and said Abo was willing to sign extradition papers, he added that Abo does not have a passport.

He asked for the amount of bail to be reduced from one million dollars, to fifty thousand.

The father of Michael Abo, Dennis Abo, was called to the witness stand, where he told the court that he supported the sheriff's office by making yearly donations, however he was not sure which sheriff's office he donated to.

Abo's father said his son's role as a police officer had been part of his identity. Michael Abo was fired from the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office for failing to show up in court to testify about arrests he had made.

Dennis Abo said his son was "sad" and that he was not aware of his son's having issued threats or using steroids.

But the steroid use is established, substantiating a rumor that Abo was using this drug that often leads to rage, according to medical reports.

The state agency that issues police certifications, DPSST, (Department of Public Safety Standards and Training) had moved to pull Abo's law enforcement certificate, however at a hearing, a judge decided Abo could retain the certificate, according to media reports.

Judge Easterday said these particular crimes were among the worst she had ever heard of. In the end the judge reduced the million dollar bail to $500,000, which is far in excess of the $5,000 Dennis Abo was prepared to pay. Michael Abo will continue to be held at the Washington County Jail.

Exiting the courtroom, the four-year old's grandparents, Steve and Karen Sengezer, were very distraught. "Very disappointed, but I'm so upset right now I can't say anything more."

It was clear that the very idea that the bail was lowered at all was hard for Sengezer to accept, "Oh yes gee oh my God, he needs to stay in jail."

He continued, saying, "Now I'm worried that... those electric monitoring things can be removed from you feet, what's to keep him from going to the hospital and getting my grandson and finishing it?"

It seemed clear that the reduced bail amount, $500,000, was still far in excess of what Abo or his father could afford.

Salem-News.com attempted to talk to deputies with Yamhill County, who told us they were not at liberty to discuss the case.

We tried to talk to the prosecutor from the District Attorney's office, and we also attempted to contact Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree.

This is a continuing story, we will keep our readers updated on developments as they occur.

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Disappointed May 4, 2019 5:59 am (Pacific time)

Why do I get the feeling that SAD BIRD is the mother?

Disappointed May 4, 2019 5:48 am (Pacific time)

I look at this woman’s photo and I swear this is the same woman I am talking to via hangouts. If it is, let’s say Mommas got some other nasty little surprises. I can’t confirm or deny yet, but coming across this story promises I’ll see it through.

Paying customer October 11, 2018 6:01 am (Pacific time)

He should be sentenced to P A Y for all of the child's medical bills, need's and wants I F he gets out of prison alive.

Ernie Lemos October 20, 2014 7:58 am (Pacific time)

Any word on this? I called the station and no one knows anything. I also emailed several reporters and nothing.

EDITOR: We believe he's going to court on November 4, 2014. He's being held in the Washington County jail. I hope that helps.

sadbird May 22, 2014 1:12 pm (Pacific time)

Yes the mother is with her child The mother was arrested because the police wanted the cops face out of the media she wasn't there she did nothing wrong. This mother has been through hell and back everyday since this has happen. She is a great mother and what the media has said about her isn't true and when her trial is done and over with the truth will come out and she will tell her story.

Sickened January 28, 2014 11:33 am (Pacific time)

To SadBird - Is the Mother with the child now? If she was innocent then why has she now been arrested? This story makes me sick. She wasn't allowed to bathe or clothe her child but didn't question that? Please....

Oldest sister of ABO January 23, 2014 2:25 pm (Pacific time)

To the " Abo family member " ... First of all please do me a favor and reveal yourself to me somehow ( if you have the guts ) because I would like to know who this is so I never associate with you again !! Second of all , NONE of his close family members " cry his innocence " so make sure you get the facts straight !! You know NO of this and obviously going off the media's "facts " and if you read all the different stories you would know they are not credible because there is alot of inconsistencies !! IF he is convicted guilty after the facts come out then we would not expect anything and he will be held accountable because that is what he would deserve !! We are human just like everyone else and do not think he should not pay for this IF he is proven guilty by a court of law not by any of you !! The media has made this awful for our families and from what I have read below with previous comments has made it awful for the child's family as well so it's completely disgusting to me that you would have to add to our pain ( when you know nothing ) Who needs enemies when you have family like you !!

Poor you, did you think the case wouldn't get media attention? I am sorry that all of your attention is focused on your own discomfort; you need to own up. It doesn't mean you have to stop loving or supporting a family member regardless of what they may have done, you know? I'll bet more than 90% of the people reading these comments respect the family member you question more than you for writing this. But yeah, go gunning for an honest good person and keep protecting Michael, that is about all some people would expect.

At anonymous January 23, 2014 9:04 am (Pacific time)

Once YOU know the facts and details that WE know, you would be crying his innocence as well. If he did do this horrible crime, then of course we would want him to be held accountable. Have you ever thought that just maybe we know details that make us believe he IS innocent?? Because of you not knowing the details, we know you aren't a family member..and if you are you are very distant and don't know what we know. When the trial starts you will see that he has 'facts' that are in his favor. There are two sides to every story and you only know of one side.

Anonymous January 22, 2014 10:04 pm (Pacific time)

Yes, I am related to Abo. And I don't believe it's wrong of me to expect Abo to be held accountable. Really, is that so terrible? How is it that no family member would say the things I said about him? I didn't say horrible things about him, only spoke of his guilt. I'm sorry if I can't muster up any sympathy for him. What he DID was monstrous . The facts are stacked against him. I never said his family should not love him. But his family needs to stop crying his innocence.

Sad bird January 19, 2014 11:07 pm (Pacific time)

Abusers? Really!!! I think you need to take a step back and look at what your typing on here.... First off if the mother had anything to do with this she wouldn't be with her son right now would she? And second this mother has every right to say she wants her son's pictures taken down she is the mother and he is underage victim. Wow!!! People like you two really need to know the full story before going and posting lies about both sides. Wait for the trail everything will be said and shown in court. As I said before this mother hasn't left her child's side you live this nightmare let me put you in her place and see how you can deal with all this hate and evil from others. She was working did you forget to read that part too? She also would drive from Sheridan to Vancouver Washington everyday to work to support her and her son. Wow... Doesn't seem like a low life going mother to me seems like a mother just wanted to do her best for her and her son. You don't know the full story and it's sad to say you would want pain or harm on someone you don't know and haven't heard all the facts about. So quickly to judge..... Abo will have his day in court and my family will all be there to support the boy and mother why they go through this very hard time. Just thank God this hasn't happen to you or someone you love or know because you would be thinking and acting differently.....

RPGA January 19, 2014 9:35 pm (Pacific time)

Hi Tim,
I am such a sad and sick bird for wanting to know more information on this case. Looking forward to seeing it ALL... Try not to post any pics though I wouldn't want that to side track the facts on what these CHILD ABUSERS DID!! I mean what MIKE ABO MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE DONE! Lord knows the facts will most likely say otherwise?? Truth is always a hard one especially for those who have to face the fact that someone they love can commit such a sick, sad, horrible, cowardly and senseless crime...

Thank you for your time

:) I appreciate that, thanks

Sad bird January 19, 2014 4:24 pm (Pacific time)

You two make me sick. Man what kind of reporter acts the way you do? Your a very sick man who needs to look at his actions because right now you look like an ***.
And as for RPGA you need to know all the facts and as for one you will not be informed on the boy condition no one will.
Leave him alone!!!!
Just say your prayers but that's all the mother of the family wants for her little boy is prayers. No one will have any other info on him!!!
This will keep reporters like you, Tim out of the reach of a victims life shows you should mind you own Business!!!

Right, the reporter is the problem, not the beastly acts perpetrated on a beautiful little boy or the actions of a mother who failed to protect him? And you say I'm the sick one, hardly the case.

RPGA January 19, 2014 3:18 pm (Pacific time)

Hi Tim,
Any word on when the next court date will be? Any news on the child's condition? Keeping this child I. My daily thoughts and prayers ❤🙏👼

P.s. I find you humorous as well ;) thank you for your time and "not responding" lol... @ humored by RPGA ;) 👍😘🙋

I know I am behind on this, there is a ton of information and I really will get that out ASAP, and here you didn't get out of a response after all! LOL

Humored by these comments from RPGA January 18, 2014 5:50 pm (Pacific time)

I don't think that they were even talking to you or referring to you about being ABO family member ?? They were referring to " anonymous " so it's humorous that you assume everyone is talking to you but I won't even waste my time responding to you anyways

RPGA January 18, 2014 1:52 pm (Pacific time)

Why wait until his court date? Lol... I read the facts and I write on what I read. Majority of what we read here is whats been on local paper, local news etc. I am a mother, wife, daughter and friend whom can't fathom how another person of the same titles could fail her four year old... She should've been next to her son before he was practically beaten to death, and I apologize for the shattered eye socket, but the rest of what I listed that the poor child endured is true? I am heart broken for the child and will pray he lives as normal of a life as possible... Major brain surgery and predictions don't look too good though? I am hoping for the best! God is the one to judge but don't act like you haven't ran thoughts of judgment through your mind on ABO AND THE MOTHER!! It's hard to imagine anyone with a brain and heart who is thinking, oh he's most likely innocent? I'm sure four year old's are life flighted all the time no big deal?! Lol... Again PICTURE THAT!!
Just so there's no confusion... I m definitely not a family member of ABO nor would I claim to be... EVER!! Depression and steroids don't justify beating a four year old boy!!!

At Anonymous January 18, 2014 8:15 am (Pacific time)

You ARE NOT an Abo family member in a round about way, no family member of ours speaks how you do towards Michael. If he is proven guilty..that is an "IF" then yes he should be punished but his family will still love him. Give him his day in court, who are you to judge before the whole story is out?? Please, quit claiming to be a family member because we know you are full of crap.

Sad bird January 18, 2014 12:08 am (Pacific time)

No this mother didn't lose her rights! Really people you need to know the full story before putting comments out there for everyone to read. And for the comment RPGA no his eye socket was not shattered. I'm a member of the mothers family I know what he had went through half the crap you people are putting on here is not True! As far as everything else ABO will have his day in court..... The boys pictures shouldn't be posted mother didn't give the rights and he is underage and a victim. If this was your child would you want the world to be posting your child's pictures everywhere????? Wait to hear all the facts before making judging statements about what you think you know about the mother in all of this....... As far as I can say she hasn't left that little boys side you have your world taken upside down and become a true living nightmare... God sees all and knows all

RPGA January 17, 2014 11:15 pm (Pacific time)

Didn't the "mother" lose her rights? (I hope so!!) Isn't the child who nearly died and will most likely not recover to the healthy and happy child he once was now in states custody? ABO is a KILLER!! This child may still be alive, but his future and quality of life has been murdered thanks to a "man" who once served and protect? Lol... He needs to be held accountable and the bigger issue is ABO being punished for what he has done!! A lot of talk about this child's RIGHTS??? What about the rights that were shattered? Trust? He was abused!! He didn't just fall down one day!! He was abused for weeks!! By his mother? Abo? I am sure the truth will come out!! Come on ppl ABO DID WRONG!! How about support ABO IN MANNING UP TO WHAT HE DID AND PAY FOR WHAT HE DID? Wouldn't you want that for this poor child?? Tim, good job on the article!! Please keep writing, and come on ppl ABO's dad was on the news too, did you make sure to email someone at the news station for that footage? If not, you should! Some days you have to pick what's really hurting this child? A picture on a news article or the man and mother who neglected and abused him within inches of him losing his life! He was life flighted and the amount of trauma his poor little body endured? Seven broken ribs... Shattered eye socket... Internal ruptures... PICTURE THAT!!

Anonymous January 17, 2014 5:32 pm (Pacific time)

I am also a family member of Abo, in a round about way. I am disgusted at the ignorance of the Abo supporters. He needs to be held accountable for what he has done. NO EXCUSES make this ok and the evidence against him is to great to deny his guilt. He will pay for what he has done and if the court system does not make the punishment just, there is comfort in knowing he will face his Creator one day. Prayers for the innocent child.

Amanda Leduc January 17, 2014 12:29 am (Pacific time)

I am glad they did not lower his bail. I do not know this man, hid family, or the little boy or the little boys mother. I do pray this child recovers to the best of his ability. As a mother myself, and a reader of non-commercial news I ask; Where was the mother? Why didn't she do something? That's the investigator and the Judges job. What evidence is there that Abo was who caused these injuries? What are the injuries? What crimes is he being charged with (which means what the DA thinks they can convict on)
? What comes of this case? That is the judge's job. It is the job of news media to state facts. Good job I look forward to the updates. I pray for this little boy.

Disgusted January 16, 2014 2:32 pm (Pacific time)

We are blaming you for posting this child's picture for everyone to see because you want his face to be seen " in case he dies" as you claim that the world should know what he looks like !! Well the boy isn't deceased .. He's alive and now since you were so concerned about his face being forgotten or not known he will be noticed and recognized in the public eye and not have the victims privacy that he wasn't able to express and I am sure he would of wanted privacy if he was older and knew what it all meant . Try turning the tables and think of your son ( if you have or had one ) in this situation and put your day job out of the scenario and ask yourself if you would want your sons picture all over the paper and internet while he was still alive as a victim of such ? It is not the media job to expose the innocent victims or any party that isn't involved in the crime unless they request it ! Abo's father did not want to make a comment and that's his right because he did not commit any crimes but you had to snap a picture of him getting in his car for what reason ? Your not papparazi are you and he isn't a celebrity ? The victims grandfather chose to make a statement and his photo so my point is there was no reason to post photos of victim that is alive and underage and family members of any party if they choose not to talk to you ! I am sure that if the victims grandfather refused comment you wouldn't of followed him to his car to take his photo because he's the victims family member right ? It's ok if it's Abo's innocent family member ?

You are not making your side of the issue look any better by ranting this way. I am sorry if you don't believe in the First Amendment, eventually I will stop approving your comments if you continue to repeat points you have already made, please know also that we understand the position you are taking, we know you disapprove of the photo, OK?

Sad bird January 16, 2014 11:07 am (Pacific time)

Thank you it should be up to her and only her.

Anonymous January 16, 2014 8:24 am (Pacific time)

It shouldn't matter the number of people who want the photo taken down, shouldn't it be up to the mother and no one else?

To Sad Bird::: January 16, 2014 8:22 am (Pacific time)

I completely understand your frustrations and it isn't fair that either family has a website with all their faces plastered on it that is probably not consented. The grandparents have no right to consent to the photo of the boy being used so there is really no argument there. The journalist keeps saying 'freedom of speech', right? I wonder how he would feel if someone plastered his face all over a website along with a story about his poor journalism. He probably wouldn't be very happy about it, but hey, freedom of speech right??

Abo Family Member January 16, 2014 8:07 am (Pacific time)

@Sad Bird, we really do appriciate your respect and honesty towards this case. I think this is a hard thing for all of us to take in but in that, we all need to pray that the little boy makes a well recovery. Negative comments towards the boy's mother and Abo will not get that little boy out of the hospital bed any faster. I honestly hope that the mother can find peace and we pray that Abo can make a mental and emtotional recovery on this. Just keep in mind, he is not what the media says he is and we can't imagine what could have drove him to something like this. Which is also why it is very unimaginable because this is not the character of Abo. He is nothing but a wonderful dad, brother, uncle, son and he is a father figure to me. I look up to him with every part of my being and that will never change. He was also a very dedicated and loyal police officer and anybody who says otherwise, will have to face an arguement.

Disgusted at media January 16, 2014 5:44 am (Pacific time)

You mentioned that there are only "limited " number of people that want the photo taken down and those "limited number of people " ARE HIS FAMILY !!!! You don't give a rats a** about the child like you claim you do ! You care about your story and wanting more publicity and who cares who gets hurt more because your concern is " not wanting the child to die without the public to see his face " you obviously don't have faith that this little angel will recover but we do !! The faith in God is what will help this child recover and if God decides to take his angel home then you would be entitled to show a picture of his face !!!

Right just blame us when a child was nearly killed.

Sad bird January 15, 2014 7:19 pm (Pacific time)

The mother has the rights to her child you didn't get it from her he is under age and a victim. I hope to God someone makes a law to were people like you don't take pictures or info of a child to put out there for everyone to see. I just hope this eats away at your soul because that's what your doing to that boys family. I hope you can't sleep at night knowing in the back of your mind how wrong you Are!!!!!!
I will not say more no matter what your full of shit and need to think about if it was your child this happen to and how you would want the press to treat you.

I think I know exactly who you are, you are solely interested in protecting the mother, why didn't the mother protect the boy? That is a question that remains. For the record, it is clearly stated in our comment section that profanity is not allowed.

Sad bird January 15, 2014 6:45 pm (Pacific time)

Despite popular misunderstanding the right to freedom of the press guaranteed by the first amendment is not very different from the right to freedom of speech. It allows an individual to express themselves through publication and dissemination. It is part of the constitutional protection of freedom of expression. It does not afford members of the media any special rights or privileges not afforded to citizens in general!!!!!!

Exactly, there are no special rights, just free speech for everybody. I suggest that this be allowed to just go forward, there are only a limited number of people who want the photo to be taken down, and we don't need to press that point.

Sad bird January 15, 2014 6:37 pm (Pacific time)

Abos family you weren't the one to commit an evil act. You sadly had someone in your family snap or whatever happen. Mothers side doesn't blame the family only Mr. abo and he will have his day in court. We don't know why it happen we can keep asking ourselves why but it will only get to us more. Right now prayers should be said for the little boy for a full recovery. As for people wishing harm like I said before doesn't make us any better it's for the courts to say. Like I said I'm on the mothers family and she is very heartbroken about everything her world has came crashing down. She keeps saying she is living a nightmare and can't wake up and won't leave her babies side. She didn't allow them to post her little boys picture and is very hurt by it because he is a victume in all of this....
I don't care about freedom of press or speech what we care about is this child to be respected after everything he has been through. Posting info about the child's father that isn't true either come on you should really know your stuff before posting it. This reporter is just making it harder for the victumes family to deal with all the hateful things the public is making towards this mother as well. You weren't there she wasn't there so please stop judge until she comes forward and makes her statement. Putting her down when she is fighting to stay strong for her son and that's where the Focus needs to stay is on that little boy to get better. God is and will always be the one to judge us all and that's how we will see it.

ABO family January 15, 2014 12:33 pm (Pacific time)

Sad bird ... I appreciate your respect and it is nice to actually hear 1 decent person that doesn't express hatred towards Abo in such a evil way ! Our family is praying for this child and we hurt also and would never wish anything upon the family or child but recovery and peace

Sad bird January 15, 2014 7:34 am (Pacific time)

I didn't make a threat! I simply stated you didn't have all the facts to the case. And when the facts come out it will show people you don't know how to do you job. As a reporter you should know all the facts and should make sure your getting permission from the mother herself posting her sons pictures on the web. Grandpartents only have so many right doing what they ask or taking what they say might not hold up later on down the road for you. I am not apart of Abos family . I will not state who I am but I know the mothers side very well. What your saying above isn't true about the child's father or the rights about the picture wasn't allowed either by the mother. You do not get to say or make the decisions in this case. I'm very upset that sometime could be so mean to others out there before knowing all the facts. As for people saying Abo needs to die is very wrong if he is found guilty in this case he will do his time. To wish death on someone is not the answer and shows who you are as a person ver sad. As for the boys updates you won't be getting anymore from the grandparents. You need to respect the privacy of this boy he is a victume in all of this you should take down his image the mother didn't say you can put it up and she has the only rights to say. Thank you sad bird

Do you know what the First Amendment is?

Irritated January 14, 2014 8:08 pm (Pacific time)

Please be assured that Sad bird is not part of the Abo family. No one in the Abo family is making any threat nor have any reason to. Thank you.

Anonymous January 14, 2014 8:03 pm (Pacific time)

Please let me make this clear, The Abo family did not post anything under Sad bird..Abo family did NOT make any threats. We do not know who this is.

Sad bird January 14, 2014 6:26 pm (Pacific time)

My back lash wasn't a physical threat! I said I will have people speak about how you think you know all the facts!!! Please use the IP address I could care less what you stated above was false information and that will come out soon enough. So know your facts about this case before writing it down on paper.

Threats from Abo family? January 14, 2014 6:05 pm (Pacific time)

What in the hell is wrong with these people like "sad bird"? This sad sack doesn't even mention the little boy once? I think I would turn them into the FBI for that stupid threat.

Sad bird January 14, 2014 10:17 am (Pacific time)

Chilling info like what if that was the case if she was brought up for anything we would have seen it. You don't know all the facts! Wait for the day in court and let's hear all the facts and see them before we judge people. What happen is very sad and I feel this mothers pain. In the past I was a victim too. I know if someone did wrong we would hear about it. Please try and see your not a watchdog you like to bring people down and hurt them even more. I hope god goes easy on your soul for the words you have spoken and the letters you write down on paper. I'm judge you since you don't seem to mind to judge others. Please leave the victim out of it and take down his pictures. I will have people back lash at you for the hateful things you are posting and pictures as well. You are not god you don't get to say what's true and what isn't!!!

Your threat is noted, we have your IP address and we will not tolerate this.

Sad bird January 13, 2014 9:55 pm (Pacific time)

You need to stop post things about the boy. To think you only have part of the story and not all the facts. You need to respect the mother of the boy too! She hasn't made a statement yet I'm sure she is by her sons side and hasn't left as a mother myself that's where I would be. As far as mr. abo goes he will have his day in court and let's let the judge decide what should happen to him. It's very sad to have such a trusted person make a crime so bad like this as a cop you do you best to save lives and protect. Abos family haven't done anything wrong let them be. I just hope the little boy makes a full recovery. God bless us all and hope we would never have to go through anything like this in our own lives.

This is America, we're the watchdogs. Respect for the mother is an interesting thing for you to ask for. Some people think the worst thing that could happen would be for the person who could have prevented this terrible crime, to not be held responsible. We don't know, but it seems the mother should have been able to protect the boy, and there is chilling background information associated that. A judge and jury will decide the case. We are in no way persecuting the Abo family. That said, I think Mr. Abo, the suspect's dad, should have talked to us after court. It would have made a better impression. Thank you.

Family of Abo January 13, 2014 5:56 pm (Pacific time)

First of all I want to make this very clear ... We are good human beings that are devastated and hurt for this sweet boy just as MUCH as all of you so DO NOT assume that we are heartless and make us out to be monsters !!! We pray right along with all of you for his family's pain and strength !

Do you know what it feels like to wake up and your life has changed with devastation because someone that you love dearly is being accused of something of this nature ??

Do you know what it feels like to watch the whole family hurt and how this is affected the innocent ones that don't understand and there is not a damn thing you can do about it ?

Do you know what it feels like to try to comfort the young children in this family that don't understand why so many hatred evil things are being plastered all over the internet and newspaper about their loved one that has not even been to trial or any facts , interviews done on Abo's side yet and so quick to judge when YOU DONT know everything !
Well in case none of you know how it feels ... IT feels like a horrible nightmare and none of us committed a crime but for some twisted reason it makes us feel like we did or wronged because of the way it's presented from the media

I understand the outrage with the magnitude of this but the facts have not been presented and come out and none of you know exactly what happened so when the details and facts are released then feel free to do your judging

There has been so much focus on hatred towards the Abo side and violence isn't going to solve this , nor will the comments of the cruel punishments that should be done to him and in my opinion some of the horrible things that some of you express makes you no better than the crime and says a lot about your character ! Focus should be with prayer for the boy and the ignorance to Abo 's family isn't the answer either

Hmmm January 12, 2014 1:21 pm (Pacific time)

Based on the comments on both the articles about this story and comments on your Facebook, I think that stating "99% of the feedback we are receiving is from people specifically thanking us for publishing the boy's photo" is to say the least an exaggeration. But it makes sense you would write that because comparing with other reports I have read on news sites, your fact checking seems non-existent. Also, work on proofing, your subheader reads the bail was reduced to $50,000, but the article lists $500,000.

For someone who wants to be allowed to voice his opinion, you sure get testy when others voice theirs.

For ten years I have been right here doing the exact same thing, our comment section has guidelines and if people fail to follow them it is not my choice. I have been receiving a lot of email over this from people all over Yamhill County and they are all thankful that a news agency has the guts to stick its neck out and we aren't done. You are perfectly entitled to your opinion about Salem-News.com, there is nothing I can do about that. The First Amendment allows us to operate and to publish content that helps communicate a story. The bail figure is incorrect, I agree with that and will correct it. The $500k figure requires $50k in cash for bail. So to clarify, I do not "want to be allowed" - I am allowed and yes, when a child's life hangs in the balance and a complacent LE community is dragging its heels in doing its job we will step up to the plate and hopefully make others realize that if they abuse children on our watch then we will give them plenty of public attention. I think it is funny that you or anyone else would really expect a news agency to lay down and buckle to pressure, the photo being published did not do anything except draw attention to the story and prayers to the child.

Mitch January 11, 2014 5:28 pm (Pacific time)

The MEDIA disgusts me !!

Milly January 11, 2014 5:27 pm (Pacific time)

What happened to this child is beyond tragic...

Anonymous 11:54 January 10, 2014 1:28 pm (Pacific time)

A miracle could happen. You never know, truly, what could happen with this child's health. The professional, ethical standards of your industry are to not print identifying information of crime victims who are minors unless given permission by the child's custodian - in this case, that person is likely the the lawyer and/or DHS.

Any American has the right to boycott a business that is doing something they don't like, or to encourage others to call the advertisers of a "news publication" that is behaving, in the opinion of that person, unethically.

"A miracle could happen," so you want to pretend like we don't have our basic rights, and that line about "hiding behind the First Amendment" that was stated on that radio show, it was truly disgusting and almost anyone would agree.

The bottom line is that you ignore the case, dismiss the real issue, and complain because this country has freedom of the press. What you did was very wrong, Meghan - the officials in positions of authority have it in their hands now, I think the idea of the representative of a federal program is way out of line and we will see what CASA has to say about it. The bottom line is that this argument is about Meghan Bishop's ego and Meghan Bishop not getting her way. You make light of the most basic, inalienable rights that we as Americans have. Give my regards to your attorney friend Glen.

Anonymous January 10, 2014 11:54 am (Pacific time)

You need to stop publishing identifying information. If this child lives, the child should be able to tell this story, only if the child wishes, on the child's own terms as a victim of a heinous crime. As a violent crime victim myself, I appreciate that my privacy is protected and it is my choice whether or not people I meet know what happened to me. You are making it so this child will never go on a first date or job interview without someone probably already knowing this happened, and may asking unsolicited, traumatizing questions. I am disgusted and appalled by what I believe you are doing to wreck this child's open future by outing the family and posting the child's photos.

OMG, this child will never walk or talk again, and probably won't see, so your point is totally invalid and I imagine you are following the lead of the CASA lawyer Meghan Bishop, who incidentally was turned into the Oregon state bar yesterday for her unjustified, unethical attack against our news group. We did nothing wrong, 99% of the feedback we are receiving is from people specifically thanking us for publishing the boy's photo. This is a free country, I suggest that there are many less free countries that you could consider for your future, but this one has free speech. We will not be bullied into not doing our jobs and we will take people to task if they challenge our right to operate by telling radio listeners to call our advertisers and suggesting they drop their support of us.

Anonymous January 10, 2014 1:26 am (Pacific time)

At the least that mother should be prosecuted for failure to protect a child in her care. Was she so concerned about her own welfare to sacrifice her helpless son. If the boy was seen driving away from the Abo home with his mother (the neighbor across the street made the comment that when the boy was with his mother he would wave and smile but when he was with Abo he didn't dare wave)...then she DID have opportunity to get the boy away from this monster. What mother wouldn't question why her boyfriend wouldn't let her bathe or dress and undress her own child? She is some kind of coward, accomplice or idiot. She NEEDS to have charges brought up against her to set an example for these wimpy so-called mothers that CHOOSE to sacrifice their own children. As for ABO...someone should do to him what he has done to this poor child. Abo has basically killed the person this beautiful young child could have been in this world. We ALL need to open our ears and eyes and learn how to push three numbers...911. If you hear a young child pleading to let them in out of the cold when it is freezing outside...wouldn't you at least check it out rather than just comment about hearing that happening prior to the child being life-flighted out of there? So many could have done SOMETHING!!! But we look the other way?, comment about it after the fact without any guilt? If this went on for weeks, why didn't other family members go see the child or see him? Wow!

Susan January 9, 2014 3:06 pm (Pacific time)

Tim, Thank you for reporting on this story...Wow...There are NO WORDS!! This Mother should be brought up on charges too, to allow this crime against her own child....If this crime would have taken place in many other county's around the country....Let's put it this way...What took place to the boy would have taken place with this piece of crap that destroyed this young boys life....

Anonymous January 9, 2014 2:48 pm (Pacific time)

Don't let him see the light of day.

Anonymous January 9, 2014 1:07 pm (Pacific time)

This man needs to be punished for the rest of his natural life.

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