Sex abuse suspect absconds mid-trial

A suspect accused of multiple felony sex crimes has absconded in the middle of trial.

Sammy Lisero Cardoza faces charges of sexual abuse in the first degree, unlawful sexual penetration in the first degree, and two counts of sodomy in the first degree. Trial for those crimes began on the morning of Oct. 6, 2025 in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Cardoza mugshot.

Cardoza, who was out of custody on pre-trial release, attended the first day of trial. On the morning of Oct. 8, Multnomah County pre-trial supervision officers received a notification that Cardoza had removed his GPS ankle monitor. Cardoza then failed to appear on the second day of trial, and a nationwide warrant was issued for his arrest.

"We are determined to hold him accountable and look forward to him being brought back to court," said Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez. "Anyone found aiding in his flight from justice will be prosecuted."

Detectives have learned Cardoza may have fled to Washington state. Cardoza was seen on surveillance video wearing a black sweatshirt, white shirt, and blue pants. He may also be associated with a silver Dodge Charger with damage to the driver's door.

Anyone with information on his location is asked to contact Detective Lindsay Friderich at [email protected] or to call the GPD tip line at 503-618-2719 or toll-free at 1-888-989-3505.