Bend man charged with rape at Powell Butte ‘rave’ party

Crook County sheriff’s deputies arrested a 28-year-old Bend man Tuesday on rape, kidnapping, sex abuse and other charges in connection with an alleged assault at a “rave”-style party in Powell Butte late last month.

Bend police and the Crook County Sheriff’s Office began a joint investigation March 1 into the rape allegations, said sheriff’s Detective Sergeant Ryan Seaney. The incident allegedly occurred on Feb. 26 at a party in the Southwest Bent Loop area of Twin lakes Ranch in Powell Butte.

Alex Michael Stewart of Bend was taken into custody on Tuesday at the sheriff’s office and lodged at the Crook County Jail.

He was held on $360,000 bail, facing first-degree charges of rape, sex abuse and kidnapping, as well as fourth-degree assault and unlawful sexual penetration.

Seaney said in a news release that no further information was available as the investigation was continuing. He also said the sheriff’s office wanted to thank the Bend Police Department for its assistance in the investigation.