Date: 08-15-2016

Case Style: United states of America v. Nika Larsen

Case Number: 3:16-cr-00318-BR

Judge: Anna J. Brown

Court: United States States District Court for the District of Oregon (Multnomah County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Pamala R. Holsinger

Defendant's Attorney: Steve Myers and Mike Staropoli

Description: Portland, OR - Former Oregon State Police Forensic Scientist Pleads Guilty to Stealing Controlled Substances by Fraud and Deception

A former Oregon State Police Forensic Scientist Nika Larsen, 36, of Bend, Oregon, pleaded guilty in federal court, to using her position as a Forensic Scientist to steal controlled substances from evidence items submitted by law enforcement agencies to the Oregon State Police Crime Lab for analysis and testing. Facts of the crime are set forth in court documents filed today. This prosecution resolves any potential state charges stemming from this criminal conduct.

Larsen appeared in court and, pursuant to a plea agreement, pleaded guilty to two counts of obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud and deception. U. S. District Judge Anna J. Brown presided over Larsen’s guilty plea and will sentence her on December 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. The parties are jointly recommending the Judge impose a 36-month term of incarceration followed by a term of supervised release with conditions, including community service.

The case was investigated by the Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Justice, Criminal Justice Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamala R. Holsinger and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen H. Gunnels (Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office) are prosecuting the case. Multnomah County Chief Deputy District Attorney Donald N. Rees served as a Special Deputy District Attorney for Umatilla County during the case and also represented the Oregon District Attorneys Association.

Outcome: Guilty

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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