Oregon Department of Justice’s SPIRE Program Marks Six Months Targeting Complex Criminal Investigations in Washington County

The Oregon Department of Justice is reporting early progress in its efforts to assist local law enforcement agencies with complex criminal investigations. Launched in October of 2025, SPIRE - Special Projects: Investigate, Respond, Enforce - embeds ODOJ investigators directly with Washington County law enforcement agencies to take on multi-jurisdictional criminal activity. The program focuses on human trafficking, drug trafficking, organized retail theft, and other serious organized criminal operations that require a large number of resources to investigate.

"Disrupting organized crime protects our most vulnerable and makes communities safer for everyone," said Attorney General Dan Rayfield. "Through the SPIRE partnership, Oregon DOJ takes on the complex, resource-intensive work of dismantling criminal operations - so the impact is felt where people live and work. We're proud to see the program delivering results in Washington County and look forward to watching it grow in other parts of the state."

"Ensuring Washington County is a safe place to live, work and raise a family is a priority," said Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton. "Our partnership with the Oregon Department of Justice provides investigators and prosecutors with more tools and resources to combat organized crime."

"The work being done through SPIRE is about more than investigations, it's about bringing a collaborative approach to safeguarding our community and supporting victims," said Washington County Sheriff Caprice Massey. "By combining local expertise with state level resources, we are better equipped to disrupt organized crime and improve the safety and well-being of those who live and work in Washington County."

"It's important to acknowledge that organized criminal activity doesn't recognize jurisdictions or stop at city limits, and neither can our response," said Beaverton Police Department Public Information Officer Matt Henderson. "Through SPIRE, we're seeing the impact of real collaboration, bringing together the resources, expertise, and time needed to disrupt these criminal networks. This work is about more than enforcement; it's about protecting vulnerable individuals while holding offenders accountable wherever they choose to do business."

First Enforcement Actions As SPIRE's investigations have matured, the program has begun taking enforcement action. To date, SPIRE has served warrants on three illicit massage businesses in Washington County. Those operations resulted in charges pending for soliciting prostitution, referrals to victim assistance services for three individuals, and seizure of $18,000 in cash from the suspect businesses.

SPIRE has also identified additional criminal enterprises operating across Washington County. Those investigations are in early stages. By their nature, organized crime investigations are time-intensive - requiring patient, methodical work to fully identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks.

The SPIRE pilot was designed not just to address crime in Washington County, but to demonstrate a model that can be replicated statewide. Local law enforcement leaders have repeatedly underscored that they need ODOJ as a true partner for cases that require long-term surveillance, digital forensics, wire interceptions, complex data analysis, and coordination across jurisdictions.

Right now, the Washington County DA's Office, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Beaverton Police Department », and many other police departments in Washington County are partnering with the Oregon Department of Justice to participate in the SPIRE pilot program.