Former Oregon Police Officer Sentenced in Salem

Alexander was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 60 months' probation, he will also register as a sex offender.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A former Salem Police officer was sentenced in Marion County court this morning. Sterling Alexander had faced a number of charges stemming from three alleged sex abuse cases.

Of the multiple charges initially brought against Alexander, convictions were only reached on two counts; second-degree Sex Abuse and Official Misconduct.

Alexander was sentenced to probation for the next 60 months, during which time he will serve a 90 day jail sentence. He will also register as a sex offender.

During the incarceration, Judge Alvin Norblad agreed to allow Alexander on a work release program so he can maintain the job he has had for the last year.

Victims in the case were called up to the front of the court at first. They offered testimony on the case and they were asked to offer opinions as to the length of sentence.

One victim talked about harassment she believes she has been subjected to, citing a time that Alexander's mother Shirley Nash went inside a city building seeking information.

The woman said she has had a difficult time over the trial and she added that the court experience has, “soured my whole impression of law enforcement.”

Another victim in the case says her life's challenges have gone through the roof, “I think about all the times co-workers made comments.” Each said their lives were increasingly difficult to manage because of the case.

After the victims offered their final testimony, Prosecutor Jodie Bureta share her thoughts with the court on what the punishment should be for Sterling Alexander.

She asked for a 365 day jail sentence, 60 months of supervised probation, no contact with victims, compliance with all sex offender provisions, and required that he will register as a sex offender and submit to an HIV test.

Norblad said that in spite of Alexander's otherwise good record in the community, he committed a “huge violation of public trust.” He said Alexander's community service and involvement in a Christian ministry were vital in his decision to not impose a longer sentence.

Advocates of Alexander's like Rhonda Carter, a friend of ten years, says Alexander has not been fairly portrayed, "He has not only suffered by losing his job but also contact with his kids for several years. It has killed Sterling to be separated from his daughter.

"He is in no way a threat to the city of Salem or the community He is very active in Salem, serving on several local boards, he is still an advocate for youth."

Alexander will report to jail in a week, after having time to get his affairs in order. His Pastor, Russel Dickerson, says the work Sterling Alexander has performed in the community since the case began should not be taken lightly.

He says he hopes that healing can now happen, for all of the people involved. "We've been praying for the victims too," he said after today's sentencing.

"We were hoping for just probation, Sterling has great hopes for the community, and he works closely with, young fatherless gang bangers. There aren't many people who do that well."

The case against Sterling Alexander has been a high profile event for the city of Salem. The investigation has been underway since 2004 and the trial culminated last summer.

New allegations surfaced recently against one of the three women pressing charges and a former investigator from Salem Police. An Oregon State Police investigation revealed that the victim and former Salem officer who investigated the case were actually having sex as well.

Because Alexander is a former Salem officer, Oregon State Police performed the investigation. Alexander's attorney Kevin Lafkey subpoenaed emails between Salem Police and Oregon State Police which confirmed that Salem had indeed been an active participant in the investigation.

In those emails were references to "paying for" witnesses and other potentially damaging information for the state's case. Both Salem and Oregon State Police say there was never a plan to pay for witnesses.

Lafkey however, accused the city of direct involvement. "Salem Police are not just investigating the case, they are out looking, cultivating, to find people to testify that Sterling Alexander did something."

Alexander's advocates say they ideally hoped for a different outcome, but they appreciate the fact that he will be able to continue working as he fulfills the court obligations imposed this morning.

Skipper Osborne, former NAACP President and TAJFA representative, says it is important to note that Alexander passed a polygraph test, denying that he ever forced anyone into sexual contact, and also whether he had sex knowingly with a person under the age of 21.

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Citizen of Salem August 22, 2023 3:16 pm (Pacific time)

I think the victim blaming happening here shows the sad way that these things are judged and handled. If your daughter was raped would you want her attacker given a lighter sentence because she had been in trouble previously? That has nothing to do with the current crime and should not have an impact on the case. To think that a person who attacks people with troubled pasts knows they will be given lighter sentences because of that is absurd and disturbing and has no place in a court of law. Seriously people think of these things as they would apply to you in this type of a circumstance. See what happens with this girl? This girl who is emotionally damaged damaged and has been abused… see what if she continues to have problems because of the damage. What is that going to prove to you? That she deserves to be attacked? Disgusting

Diana Ortega August 22, 2023 3:09 pm (Pacific time)

Sterling used to come into the State Marine Board where I worked on his work time to flirt with me and try and pick up on me. I ran into him multiple times after I initially met him places where I was at on a daily basis and he never had been before. He was obviously doing this on purpose and all on his work time. Inappropriate behavior doesn’t stop and is usually never an isolated incident. From my personal experience he is an in appropriate person who should not be in a position of authority flat out. I highly doubt that with his proven pattern of behavior that he would stop. That needs to be considered when dealing with these types of people. There should be no second, or third chances for people in positions of authority over other people. I don’t want myself or anyone else put in a position where a person who has proven themselves to be inappropriate have authority over them. Do you want your daughter or mother in that position? I wouldn’t think so, so please don’t let anyone else’s. Besides just like with me posting this now there are almost always more victims then the ones who have come forward and I wouldn’t think this situation would be any different.

Salem June 27, 2008 4:26 pm (Pacific time)

BROOKE NEAL is evil, this is not the last person she screwed over. People like her should be locked up

Tim King- reporter October 19, 2007 1:24 pm (Pacific time)

sidran moon- Most people around Salem know that Sterling and I are personal friends, as I am with several of the Salem officers. This made covering the story a bit complicated but how does a reporter avoid this in a fairly small city? I have no problem being corrected, but as far as I recall the sex happened, just not the rape. I certainly would amend the story to reflect your point but I think it is correct.

sidran moon October 19, 2007 12:38 pm (Pacific time)

saying that a victim was having sex with a salem police officer "as well" implies that she "had sex" with alexander. rape is not the same as having sex. this mistake is on the part of the writer. very poorly worded.

jackson October 9, 2007 1:40 pm (Pacific time)

unfortuanately polygraphs are not admissable in court--would the jury's verdict of been different had they known that he passed the test? And the evaluation disclosed during the sentencing that was done by a doctor appointed by the judge resulted in him not being a sex offender nor predator. He scored the lowest score you can possibly have. I wonder why the SJ didnt print that and the reporter from what I heard was sitting in the courtroom. its interesting how opinionated people can be when all they have to go by is what is printed. People wake up, start digging and asking questions about the corruption in this city. What are you doing to make changes other than post your opinions, gripes, and concerns? Thank God Salem has more than one news resource. Tim King-thanks for printing what the SJ is afraid to print.

annoyed October 9, 2007 12:44 pm (Pacific time)

It seems justice has been done. Sterling may not have "forced" anyone to have sex. But using his position as a police officer to get in bed with these women is a crime. I'm glad to hear he seems to be doing some good with life now, but that does not erase the bad he has done, and he needs to pay for it, which he seems ready to do. As for the detective and witness having sex...that's a whole different ball of wax that should be investigated as well. Overall the law enforcement agencies in the Willamette Valley are very good, and should be commended for their hard work. Yes..there is always a bad apple or two in every bunch, and they all come out eventually

Shesha October 8, 2007 3:52 pm (Pacific time)

WTF: There was not judgements on my behalf if you re-read my comments. And religion is something that individuals believe in and means to do something on a regular....In this case, religion has nothing to do with it only Spirituality which is a lifestyle. Judgement belongs to God not man.

Roger October 8, 2007 3:44 pm (Pacific time)

From the DA trying to give him measure 11 (50) yrs to 90 days work release. Id say Praise God!!!! Officers sleeping with victims. Salem and OSP in co-hoots shame shame...Cant wait to hear more!!!

WTF October 8, 2007 3:26 pm (Pacific time)

Shesha... it's difficult to respect an argument that is based on religion because not everyone shares the same religion. It seems to me like you are judging everyone with an opposing opinion, which based on what you wrote is against your religion.

cj October 8, 2007 3:24 pm (Pacific time)

why should he talk to the SJ? Dennis Thompson the "reporter" was sitting in the courtroom and his article doesnt even mention the fact that he passed a lie detector test. He was asked during the test if he has ever forced anyone to have sex--he answered no and passed!

Salem Car Dealer October 8, 2007 2:46 pm (Pacific time)

I love the fact that Sterling refused to talk to the Salem paper about today's action. WAY TO GO STERLING!! I wish more people would NOT talk to that rag of a paper.

Dan October 8, 2007 1:30 pm (Pacific time)

This case has been a stink bomb from the beginning. Clearly, there are no winners here, but you have to respect Alexander for not taking the 10 years the prosecutors were offering him for a deal. Makes you wonder how many other stinky cases are out there. Something tells me the local criminal justice officials are second guessing their decision to go forward on this case.

Umm? October 8, 2007 1:14 pm (Pacific time)

Ralph, yes at least one girl has major issues. Interested to see what happens to her.

Ralph October 8, 2007 1:05 pm (Pacific time)

Sterling was ordered to take an evaluation and a polygraph by the judge. He passed the polygraph which said he has never forced anyone to have sex with him. That makes me doubt the stories from these ladies. Their past are not the best anyway. I hope all have learned from this.

Shesha October 8, 2007 12:54 pm (Pacific time)

All of you nay-sayers and haters! He who is without sin(anything that is not of God)let them cast the first stone! Until you walk in this man's shoes, keep your judgements to yourselves! God was in control and He is still in control and He had the final say! As Jesus said when He gave up the ghost, "It is Done!" Sterling was victorious in this thing and will continue to be so! Bro, you walk in there and keep your head held high because like everything else the enemy has thrown your way, this too shall pass! Praise God until the foundation around here shakes and with fear and trembling we will take by force this city-this state and God will be Glorified in it all!

Gigi October 8, 2007 11:52 am (Pacific time)

Wow, two convictions in one week. SPD I'm impressed. Too bad the department's idea of justice is subjective and depends on who's behinds the involved officer has been kissing. Sterling, evidently you weren't brown nosing the right Deputy Chief!

Anonymous October 8, 2007 11:35 am (Pacific time)

Sterlings life has not ended. His ministry work has only begun. He has nothing to be ashamed of and I know he will hold his head high as he always has. I just hope that what he went through will open up what is truly happening at the Salem Police Dept and other Depts.

Sick of the label October 8, 2007 10:51 am (Pacific time)

This case reeks of "official misconduct" and not only by Mr. Alexander. I can't even believe they moved forward based on the new information regarding the investigators and witnesses. Don't get me wrong, I have no sympathy for true "sex offenders". Problem is they throw the label on too many for too little. I know of a case of two kids who proven by testimony didn't even know what "sexual intercourse" was and admitted to "playing doctor". The boy will now carry the "sex offender" label and register for life. STUPID STUPID STUPID. Let's get real about this label and save if fot the REAL offenders.

Anonymous October 8, 2007 10:51 am (Pacific time)

dont forget dont know what row in the courtroom during sentencing that you were sitting on today but the if the judge was so angry (of which he wasn't!) he would of sentenced him to more. dont hate cuz justice was served!!!!

Confused October 8, 2007 10:33 am (Pacific time)

The SJ put that he gets 90 days jail and 5 years probation along with registering as a sex offender. Which is the real sentencing?

Umm? October 8, 2007 10:28 am (Pacific time)

So what is being done about the perjury by Brooke Neal and Jeff Barnes? Will this be followed up on by the S-N?

Dont Forget October 8, 2007 10:02 am (Pacific time)

Let us not forget that he cannot even remember the Vic's names when making his apology. Way to go call them by someone else's name that isn't even in the courtroom. Also that the jury thought that he was a predator. Last don't forget that the judge wanted to give him more than probation for the sex abuse 2, and was angry he couldn't.

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Former Oregon Police Officer Sentenced in Salem

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