Halfway man arrested on multiple felony charges for allegedly abusing two girls between 2011 and 2014, as well as other victims
Published 8:23 am Thursday, July 10, 2025
A Halfway man was arrested Wednesday, July 9, at his home on multiple felony charges for sexual crimes involving several alleged victims ranging in age from infant to teenager.
Zachariah Scott Peer, 41, was arrested at 5:38 p.m. by Deputy Robert Henshaw of the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, according to the Baker County Dispatch log. Police had a search warrant for Peer’s home.
Peer is charged with one count of first-degree sodomy, three counts of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration. Those charges are based on alleged crimes involving two female victims. His bail was set at $500,000. He could be released by posting 10% of that amount. Peer is scheduled to be in court for a preliminary hearing July 17 at 1:15 p.m.
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According to a probable cause affidavit written by Henshaw, Peer abused two girls between 2011 and 2014. The two were between the ages of 7 and 10 at the time, according to the affidavit. Henshaw wrote that he interviewed one of the victims in early June, the other in early July. One victim told Henshaw that Peer had abused her on a “nightly basis” and that there were more than 1,000 incidents. The crimes allegedly occurred in Baker County.
Ashley McClay, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, said police believe there are more than the two victims listed in the probable cause affidavit. She declined to say how many potential victims, citing the ongoing investigation. The sheriff’s office’s press release noted that police are seeking information about other potential victims, and noted that Peer has traveled to California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.
According to a press release, “during the investigation, deputies discovered that there were additional victims ranging in age from infant to teenagers. The alleged abuse had been occurring for decades.”
One of the victims listed in the probable cause affidavit said in a phone interview Thursday that she urges other potential victims to make a report with police. She said she wants to ensure that Peer is held accountable. She also urged victims to seek help with the mental trauma, and that reporting crimes to police is the first step.
All six charges are Measure 11 offenses in Oregon, which means they include mandatory minimum prison terms on conviction. The minimum sentence for first-degree sodomy and first-degree unlawful sexual penetration is 8 years and 4 months. The minimum sentence for first-degree sexual abuse is 6 years and 3 months.