Greetings and welcome to the latest edition of the Washington County DA’s Office newsletter!

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season. As you will see in this newsletter, we are busy in the DA’s Office pursuing our mission of seeking justice and protecting our community. 

In this newsletter, you can read about multiple significant convictions, including murder cases and major sexual assault cases. These horrific crimes cause tremendous damage to not just the victims, but also our entire community. The guilty verdicts and convictions represent our commitment to holding criminals fully accountable.

At the end of October, I was honored to give the keynote address to our 9^th annual “Building Bridges of Understanding” event, where we work to increase communication and dialogue with all members of the community. The focus of our event this year was to discuss strategies to address the harm caused by bias and hate crimes.

On a positive note, our attorneys, victim advocates, and staff helped recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month through a variety of activities including outreach efforts and supporting the Family Justice Center’s annual “Run for Hope.”

You can also read about our ongoing efforts to combat a rise in retail theft and shoplifting. We continue to work in collaboration with local businesses, large and small, to keep employees and customers safe. Our message is simple: Shoplifting and theft are prosecuted in Washington County.

Finally, on a very positive note, we are always happy to recognize and acknowledge graduations from our Adult Recovery Court and our Veterans Treatment Court.

I wish you and your family a safe holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Daniel Ryan Gore Found Guilty in the Murder of Milana Li

Daniel Ryan Gore (left) and Milana Li (right)

HILLSBORO, Ore- On November 22, 2024, a Washington County jury found Daniel Ryan Gore, age 18, guilty of murder in the first degree, rape in the first degree, and sexual abuse in the first degree following a two-week trial. Senior Deputy District Attorneys John Gerhard and Andy Pulver prosecuted the defendant before Judge Ricardo Menchaca. 

On May 8, 2022, the defendant raped and murdered the victim in this case, Milana Li. Milana was just 13 years old at the time of her death. 

SDDA Pulver told the jury that the defendant was a wolf in sheep’s clothing as he lured Milana into a false sense of security before he brutally raped and killed her in a wooded area of Beaverton near where the defendant was living out of a tent. Prosecutors used surveillance footage and cell phone tracking data to prove Milana was last seen alive with the defendant around 7:45 p.m. the night of her murder. 

The victim was reported missing by her mother the next afternoon when she returned home after working the night shift. She expected Milana to be home but couldn’t locate her. She assumed Milana went to school early but grew increasingly concerned after she confirmed the teenager was not at school. 

News of Milana’s disappearance spread quickly throughout the community. Milana’s friend decided to look for her in a wooded area she was known to visit from time to time. The friend and her mother went to the area, found clothing and shoes belonging to Milana, and called the police. 

Investigators searched the area and quickly found Milana’s body half-submerged under a weighted-down blanket in a creek. Packaging straps linked to the blanket were found in Mr. Gore’s tent near Progress Ridge. Investigators also later linked DNA evidence found inside the victim to that of the defendant. 

Investigators quickly identified Mr. Gore as a person of interest. When police tried to approach him in a Beaverton library two days later, he ran out of the building via an emergency exit. He was located and arrested a short time later. Investigators learned the defendant called his then-girlfriend after the murder and told her something bad happened but that he, “took care of it.” 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office sends condolences to Milana’s family, friends, and loved ones. This office also acknowledges the work of Detective Cindy Herring, the Beaverton Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office – Forensic Sciences Unit, and the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory on this case. 

Ali Muhammed Quraishi Found Guilty in Prolific Sexual Abuse Case

HILLSBORO, Ore- On November 14, 2024, Washington County Circuit Court Judge Erik Buchér found Ali Muhammed Quraishi, age 33, guilty of 23 counts involving the assaults and sexual assaults of nine women. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2025, on the following convictions in this bench trial:

Court Case #23CR13359

1. Rape in the First Degree (three counts)
2. Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (three counts)
3. Sodomy in the First Degree (two counts)
4. Invasion of Personal Privacy in the First Degree
5. Assault in the Fourth Degree

Court Case #23CR57793

1. Rape in the First Degree (two counts)
2. Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (six counts)
3. Sodomy in the First Degree
4. Invasion of Personal Privacy in the First Degree (two counts)
5. Unlawful Dissemination of an Intimate Image in the First Degree

Senior Deputy District Attorney Allison Brown prosecuted the defendant following an extensive investigation conducted by the Beaverton Police Department. The convictions involve the defendant's assaults of nine adult women between 2016 and 2023. All the victims in this case were strangers to the defendant and to each other. The defendant met his victims at Silverado and Stag nightclubs in Downtown Portland where he worked as a dancer. He supplied the women with alcohol and lured them back to his apartment in Beaverton. He then proceeded to engage in sex acts with the victims while they were in conditions in which they could not consent. 

The investigation was led by Detective Maggie Brown and began in May 2022. Through the course of her investigation, she learned of the defendant’s crimes against the other victims. Two of the sexual assaults occurred while the investigation was already underway. 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the bravery of the victims in reporting this abuse and persevering through a challenging legal process. This office also thanks the Beaverton Police Department for its work conducting this investigation. This office also acknowledges the work of the Portland Police Bureau and the Oregon State Police Forensic Lab.

Investigators believe there could be additional, unidentified victims. Anyone with information related to the defendant is urged to call law enforcement. 

Sain Delgado Venegas Sentenced to Life in Prison in Murder Case

HILLSBORO, Ore- On September 3, 2024, Sain Delgado Venegas pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree with a firearm and two counts of attempted murder in the first degree with a firearm. In a separate case, the defendant pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by an inmate. The defendant was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. This life sentence will run consecutive to an additional eight-year prison sentence imposed in the possession of a weapon case. Senior Deputy District Attorney John Gerhard and Deputy District Attorney Joel Petersen prosecuted this case.

On April 1, 2023, the defendant entered Kim's Red Rose, a restaurant and bar in Hillsboro, Oregon, with three associates. A bartender asked to see their identification to confirm they were of legal drinking age. The men refused and were asked to leave the establishment. 

About an hour later, the group returned to the restaurant and sat in a different section. The same bartender spotted them again and alerted the manager, Isaura Soto-Gaona. The bartender and manager asked the group to leave once again. Three of the men exited the building but the defendant lingered near the doorway entry area. He then pulled a handgun and attempted to discharge it twice in the direction of the bartender and manager. The gun malfunctioned and did not fire. The defendant then racked the slide and fired a round directly at Ms. Soto-Gaona. The round struck her in the chest, and she died as a result of the gunshot wound despite lifesaving efforts performed by restaurant staff and responding officers. Surveillance cameras captured the incident. 

Hillsboro police later learned the defendant had recently been released from prison and met with his parole officer weeks prior to this shooting. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage captured by courthouse security cameras in which the defendant is seen wearing the same distinctive sweatshirt as he was the night of the shooting. 

While he was lodged in the Washington County Jail awaiting trial for murder, jail deputies found a makeshift weapon hidden in the defendant’s jail cell during a routine contraband search.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to extend condolences to the victim’s family and restaurant staff. This office also acknowledges the work of the Hillsboro Police Department on this case. 

The defendant will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence. 

Michael Ma Sentenced to 500 Months in Prison in Child Sexual Abuse Case

HILLSBORO, Ore- On October 3, 2024, Michael Ma, age 40, was sentenced to 500 months in prison by Washington County Circuit Court Judge Erik Buchér. This sentence comes after a jury convicted the defendant of three counts of rape in the first degree, three counts of sexual abuse in the first degree, one count of unlawful sexual penetration in the second degree, and one count of attempted sexual abuse in the first degree. Deputy District Attorney Jason Weiner prosecuted the case against the defendant.



The defendant sexually abused the minor victim over the course of multiple years. In January of 2023, the victim disclosed the abuse to a family member and a school counselor. Both parties reported the abuse to the Oregon Department of Human Services. Beaverton police and medical experts from CARES Northwest interviewed the victim and she provided additional details of the abuse. 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the victim for the bravery shown in reporting this abuse. This office also acknowledges the work of the Beaverton Police Department and CARES Northwest. 

Mr. Ma will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence. 

Video Message in Support of Those Experiencing Domestic Violence

District Attorney Kevin Barton joined Sheriff Caprice Massey to send this important message of support to those experiencing domestic violence.

Hundreds Run for Hope in Honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

We'd like to thank the Family Justice Center of Washington County and our various partners for hosting the Second Annual Run for Hope in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

DA's Office Participates in Wear Purple Day in Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

DA's Office staff supported Wear Purple Day this past October in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Our attorneys and victim advocates work tirelessly to support those living in unsafe situations and to hold offenders accountable. We want those experiencing violence or abuse to know that help is available.

Visit our website to learn more about resources available to community members.

District Attorney Kevin Barton Delivers Keynote Address for 9th Annual Building Bridges Summit

District Attorney Kevin Barton delivered the keynote address for the 9th annual Building Bridges summit. DA Barton is a founding member of Building Bridges and has supported the initial since its inception. Watch the event live stream to learn more.

DA's Office Hosts Retail Theft Training for New Seasons Market

District Attorney Kevin Barton joined Senior Deputy District Attorney Andrew Freeman for a retail theft prevention training. Hosted by New Seasons Market, we discussed best practices for loss prevention teams, the importance of reporting these crimes to law enforcement, and what to expect when testifying in court.

We are dedicated to protecting area businesses from theft and welcome this opportunity to connect with business owners.

We also distributed shoplifting warning signs. Click here to learn more about this program and to request a sign free of charge.

DA's Office Hosts Elder Abuse Training Forum

From physical and financial abuse to neglect and abandonment, our older neighbors face numerous threats. We host regular trainings to stay current on the latest tactics used to target seniors.

This week, we held the annual Washington County Elder Abuse Forum. Law enforcement and community partners came together to share best practices when it comes to protecting seniors from fraud and abuse.

If you know anyone experiencing elder abuse, call Adult Protective Services at 971-673-5200.

We also have more information available on our website.

Mock Trial Season Underway at Hillsboro High School

The 2024-2025 mock trial season has begun!

Our attorneys held their first meeting with students at Hillsboro High School recently and are thrilled to get started on another exciting year.

This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in a career in law. They learn the basics of a court proceeding, how to prepare for trial, and what to expect when a witness or defendant takes the stand. They also have the opportunity to meet legal experts from across the Portland Metro area.

Visit our website to learn more.

DA's Office Participates in National Hate Crime Prevention Conference

Several members of the Washington County Bias Crime Multidisciplinary Team traveled to Birmingham, Alabama recently to attend and participate in a conference focused on combating hate crimes.

The conference, "2024, Hate Crime Grantee Conference, Combating Hate, from Awareness," brought together 250 experts from across the country. Senior Deputy District Attorney Allison Brown served as a subject matter expert on the panel, "Building Effective Partnerships/Multidisciplinary Teams." We always appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with others and to share our successes. 

Learn more about the Washington County Bias Crime Multidisciplinary Team here.

Adult Recovery Court Celebrates Program Graduation

What an accomplishment!

We'd like to congratulate Josh Willcuts who just celebrated his graduation from the Adult Recovery Court!

Mr. Willcuts worked diligently to complete the program and improve his life for himself and his loved ones. His family was on hand to help him celebrate this achievement. During his graduation ceremony, he happily shredded his charging instruments thanks to his successful completion of the program.

You can learn more about this and other specialty courts on our website.

Veterans Treatment Court Celebrates Graduation

Please join us in celebrating Daniel Wilson, our most recent graduate of the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) program!

Mr. Wilson served our country in the Army from 2012 - 2017. He struggled with substance use issues as a means to cope with a great deal of trauma, but due to his honorable military service, he was offered the chance to enter this treatment court program.

Mr. Wilson worked extremely hard on his mental health and recovery, and today he is working toward his goal of becoming a certified peer mentor so he can give the same support and compassion to other struggling veterans that he received during his time in VTC. Today he is a much happier person as he continues to put in the work and build a better life for himself and his family, and we are so proud of him!

This specialty court wouldn’t be possible without the support of Washington County and our many partners.