Jury convicts man in child sex abuse at Bend park

A jury has convicted a 61-year-old man of sexually abusing a 7-year-old girl at a southeast Bend park — actions interrupted when several concerned citizens intervened, Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said Monday.

Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said that after a three-day trial and about three hours of deliberation, a jury returned a guilty verdict Friday against Alfredo Medina Hernandez on three counts of first-degree sexual abuse. Sentencing is set for Jan. 22 at 3:30 p.m.

Hummel said the man’s wife was babysitting the girl and her younger brother when he took them on a walk to Kiwanis Park in southeast Bend.

The abuse occurred in the park and was noticed by four people who intervened to protect the victim, Hummel said.

Kelly Carter called the police, two teenage boys became concerned and informed Nathan Fletcher (a stranger to them) of what they saw, the DA said. Fletcher grabbed the kids from Hernandez and removed them from danger until the police arrived.

Prosecution of this case was a team effort by the district attorney’s office, Hummel said in a news release:

Victims’ Advocate Debbi Wise helped comfort and inform the victim and her family. IT associate Casey Newsom created electronic map exhibits to convey to the jury where the incident took place and the vantage points of the witnesses.

Trial Assistant Kadee Larsen was masterful at developing numerous last minute court documents.

“Deputy District Attorney Evander McIver saved the day by offering his clothes for one of the witnesses to wear!” Hummel wrote. “And Deputy District Attorney Brigid Turner led the team and did a masterful job trying the case. “

“Many people have said that it takes a village to raise a child,” Hummel said, “This case demonstrates that Bend is that village. The four people who stood up when circumstances called, protected this young girl, and prevented future young girls, from being victimized. Our village should be proud.”