Astoria, Ore. – A Coos County man has been sentenced to 162 years in prison after being convicted on multiple counts of sex crimes involving children, spanning over two decades, according to the Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ). Dewayne Forrest, 53, was found guilty of numerous charges, including rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse, all of which involved victims under the age of 12.
The investigation into Forrest began in 2021 after the ODOJ’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force received two online tips regarding child sexual abuse material being uploaded to an online storage account linked to a cell phone number registered to Forrest. Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Forrest’s residence, where he admitted to having been previously investigated for child sex abuse multiple times since the 1990s. Despite these prior investigations, Forrest had never faced charges until now.
Following his admission, the ODOJ expanded its investigation and uncovered a history of abuse dating back over 20 years. The charges against Forrest included not only the serious crimes of rape, sodomy, and unlawful sexual penetration but also first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. A total of five victims testified against Forrest during the trial, leading to his conviction on all counts.
In addition to the charges brought against him in the primary case, Forrest also pleaded guilty to charges related to encouraging child sexual abuse in a separate case. On May 2, 2025, he was sentenced to 162 years in prison, ensuring he will be removed from the community for the rest of his life.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield commended the efforts of the ODOJ’s ICAC task force for their dedication to uncovering Forrest’s crimes. “When our special agents learned this man had previously been investigated for sexually abusing children, they knew there was more to uncover,” Rayfield said in a statement. “Because they pushed forward – and because survivors came forward – this predator has been removed from the community for good.”
Rayfield emphasized the crucial role played by survivors who bravely testified against Forrest, helping bring him to justice. He also noted that without the investigation, there is no doubt that Forrest would have continued to harm children.
While the case has come to a close, the ODOJ has raised concerns that there may be additional victims of Forrest who have not yet come forward. The department is urging anyone with further information regarding the case to contact the ODOJ ICAC task force at 503-934-2092.
The sentence brings a measure of justice to the victims, many of whom endured years of unimaginable abuse. The ODOJ’s thorough investigation and the conviction send a strong message about the state’s commitment to holding perpetrators of child abuse accountable, no matter how long it takes.
