Roseburg Man Arrested, Released on Bail in First-Degree Sexual Abuse Case

Jason Nathaniel Briggs, 43, of Roseburg, was arrested at his home on Tuesday, Oct. 28, on a charge of first-degree sexual abuse, according to court records and a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office press release.

The investigation began in early October after a tip from a social service agency. By late October, investigators reported they had enough evidence to make an arrest.

First-degree sexual abuse under Oregon law involves physical contact with intimate body parts for the arousal or gratification of either person. The first-degree designation applies when the alleged victim is incapable of consent, is subjected to forcible compulsion, or is under 14.

Briggs was arrested under that statute. The following morning, the Sheriff’s Office agreed with the evidence and formally charged him with the same single offense. He was arraigned the afternoon of Oct. 29 in Douglas County Circuit Court. Judge Jason Thomas set bail at $25,000, with eligibility to post 10%.

Briggs posted bail later that day, released after a third party provided $2,500 in security. Records show three separate no-contact orders prohibiting any communication or proximity to the alleged victim.

The first order, specific to victims of sexual crimes or domestic violence, bars Briggs from being in the alleged victim’s visual or physical presence, communicating by any means (including through third parties), and requires he stay at least 150 feet from places the alleged victim is known to frequent. That order remains in effect until sentencing, dismissal, acquittal, or further court order.

Upon release, Briggs also signed a standard release agreement that includes a no-contact condition. In addition, the court issued a pre-trial no-contact order concerning the same person.

Briggs is next due in court Dec. 15 for a status check. He declined a court-appointed attorney and plans to hire private counsel.

According to the charging instrument filed by the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, the alleged abuse occurred in 2019, or in 2020 at the latest. Oregon law allows first-degree sexual crimes to be reported within 20 years of the act, or before the alleged victim turns 30, whichever occurs later.

First-degree sexual abuse falls under 1994’s Ballot Measure 11, which sets mandatory minimum sentences unless there is an agreed departure. The mandatory term for this offense is six years and three months in prison.