An Oregon man has been sentenced to prison after groping a 10-year-old girl inside a Portland grocery store, an assault that was stopped only when the child’s sibling caught him in the act and raised the alarm.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office announced that Adam M. Caldwell was sentenced to four years behind bars following his conviction on an attempted sexual abuse charge.
The disturbing incident occurred on June 20, 2024, inside a Fred Meyer store in Portland. Surveillance video showed Caldwell approaching the young girl in an aisle, looking around to ensure no one was watching, and then grabbing her buttocks.
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A Brave Sibling’s Intervention
The crime was interrupted when the victim’s older sibling turned the corner and saw what was happening. Immediately recognizing the assault, the sibling screamed for help, drawing the attention of their father.
Startled, Caldwell fled the store before security or police could detain him. The quick reaction of the sibling not only stopped the assault but also alerted others in the store to the danger.
Authorities later identified Caldwell through the store’s security footage, and he was arrested more than a month after the assault.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
On September 26, the district attorney’s office confirmed Caldwell’s sentence of four years in state prison. In addition to serving time, Caldwell will be required to register as a sex offender, a lifelong designation intended to monitor and restrict offenders after release.
Deputy District Attorney Afton Coppedge, who prosecuted the case, emphasized both the seriousness of the crime and the courage of the young victim and her family.
“I am proud of the victim’s bravery and deeply appreciate the family’s participation in this process,” Coppedge said. “I hope that this sentence sends a message to offenders that our community is determined to speak up against violence and hold them accountable.”
Community Impact
The case highlights the ongoing dangers children can face in public spaces and the importance of quick intervention. Many community members have expressed outrage that such an incident could occur in a family-friendly store, but they also praised the sibling’s courageous response.
Parents in Portland have been reminded by authorities to remain vigilant in public places and talk to children about how to respond to unsafe situations. The fact that this case was solved and prosecuted successfully provides some reassurance, but officials stress that prevention and awareness remain crucial.
A Call for Vigilance and Support
This case also sheds light on the trauma young victims and their families face after sexual abuse incidents. Prosecutors underscored the importance of victim support systems, counseling, and community solidarity in helping survivors heal.
Resources remain available for victims of sexual assault nationwide. The National Sexual Assault Hotline operates 24/7 and offers confidential support through phone and online chat. Victims and their families can call 1-800-656-4673 or visit the hotline’s online chatroom to speak with trained advocates.
Looking Ahead
While Caldwell’s sentencing closes one chapter of this case, officials stress that ongoing community awareness is critical to preventing similar crimes. Law enforcement continues to urge the public to report suspicious behavior immediately, and prosecutors remain committed to holding offenders accountable.
This conviction stands as a reminder that communities can and must respond quickly when children are endangered. Thanks to the bravery of one young sibling, a dangerous man was caught and will now serve prison time for his crime.
