PORTLAND, Ore.—A Romanian national pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with an online intrusion into an Oregon state government office, along with multiple cyber attacks on other U.S. victims.

Catalin Dragomir, 45, formerly of Constanta, Romania, pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a protected computer and aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, Dragomir sold access to a computer on the network of an Oregon state government office after obtaining unauthorized access to it in June 2021. During the sale of access to the computer, Dragomir provided the prospective buyer with samples of personal identifying information from the computer to prove he had actual access to the network. Dragomir also sold access to the computer networks of numerous other victims in the U.S., causing losses of at least $250,000.

On May 21, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a five-count indictment charging Dragomir with obtaining information from a protected computer, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.

Dragomir was arrested in Romania in November 2024 and extradited to the United States in January 2025.

Dragomir faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for obtaining information from a protected computer and a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000, and one year of supervised release for aggravated identity theft.

He will be sentenced on May 26, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Dragomir has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victims and forfeited cryptocurrency.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorneys Benjamin A. Bleiberg and Alison M. Zitron of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Romanian Ministry of Justice, Directorate for International Law and Judicial Cooperation, and the Romanian judiciary to secure the arrest and extradition of Dragomir. The Department of Justice also thanks Darkweb IQ for its assistance with the investigation.

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.

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Tillamook Highway during December floods,, photo courtesy of ODOT

SALEM, Ore. — Gov. Tina Kotek has requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump following severe storms that struck Oregon from Dec. 15 to Dec. 21, 2025. The request seeks public assistance for nine counties — Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Union and Yamhill — and statewide access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.  

 "The scale of damage from December's severe storms impacted multiple Oregon communities, with more than $15 million in losses and needed repairs. Rural communities are stretched beyond their limits, and help from FEMA is urgently needed,” Governor Kotek said. “I'm requesting a major disaster declaration from President Trump because Oregonians did the hard work of showing up for each other and they deserve federal support to rebuild." 

The storms brought record rainfall, high winds and an atmospheric river that caused widespread flooding, landslides and mudslides. At the peak, more than 300,000 Oregonians were without power, and multiple highways and interstates were closed. One person died in Yamhill County. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has created an interactive StoryMap detailing the event and its timeline. 

A joint preliminary damage assessment validated more than $15.4 million in eligible damages. Tillamook County had the highest per-capita damage at $154.29 per person. Without federal assistance, rural communities and consumer-owned utilities could face significant financial strain. 

“This storm struck our communities with little warning, leaving widespread damage and compounding the hardships from earlier storms and ongoing recovery efforts,” Erin McMahon, OEM director, said. “Local governments and utilities have worked tirelessly to protect lives and restore essential services, but the scale of destruction far exceeds what local resources can manage alone. Federal assistance is critical to help communities recover and build resilience against future disasters.” 

If approved, the declaration will provide funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to roads, bridges, utilities and other public infrastructure. Hazard mitigation funding would support long-term projects to reduce future disaster impacts.

For more information on Oregon’s disaster recovery efforts and how to be better prepared for disasters, visit Oregon.gov/OEM. 

Richland, WA —Washington State University Tri-Cities will join colleges and universities across the United States in celebrating the 40th annual National TRIO Day which falls on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, recognizing the transformative impact of the Federal TRIO Programs and honoring the achievements of first-generation, income-eligible students, students with disabilities, and veterans pursuing higher education.

Established by Congress in 1986, National TRIO Day encourages communities to focus on educational access, academic persistence, and the power of college opportunity to change lives and strengthen the nation. This event celebrates the work of the Federal TRIO Programs, which were first created through the landmark Higher Education Act to remove barriers to postsecondary education.

As part of the celebration, Washington State University Tri-Cities’ TRIO SSS programs will host a recognition ceremony and networking event, on from 9 – 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27 in the Consolidated Information Center room 120. The event will honor students’ accomplishments, alumni will share their success stories, and campus leadership will highlight ongoing support for student achievement. The event will bring together students, alumni, campus leaders, and community partners to highlight success stories, deepen public understanding of TRIO’s mission, and promote a culture of educational opportunity.

“TRIO students are driven scholars, engaging with real-world problems, and preparing themselves to make a lasting impact in their fields and communities,” said Alondra Castaneda, program director for TRIO SSS Classic, STEM and Health Science Programs “National TRIO Day is our opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, acknowledge their hard work, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every student has the support and resources to achieve their academic and career goals.”

“For forty years, National TRIO Day has served as a powerful reminder that talent is universal, but opportunity is not,” said Kimberly Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE). “This milestone year honors the millions of students and alumni who have turned their dreams into degrees, careers, and lifelong contributions to their communities. As we celebrate this anniversary, we recommit ourselves to protecting and strengthening TRIO so future generations can continue to thrive.”

WSU Tri-Cities currently serves 260 TRIO students through Student Support Services. TRIO programs provide academic guidance, tutoring, advising, mentoring, college readiness services, financial aid support, and career development opportunities for eligible students.

Nationally, TRIO serves more than 800,000 individuals each year, including middle school, high school, and college students, adult learners, veterans, and graduate scholars.

National TRIO Day began in 1986 when Congress passed a resolution recognizing the Federal TRIO Programs and calling for a National Day of Celebration, community service, and advocacy in support of students who face systemic barriers to higher education. This year marks the fortieth annual National TRIO Day and celebrates the legacy of programs that have helped more than six million students earn college degrees.

For more information about WSU Tri-Cities’ National TRIO Day events or to learn more about TRIO services on campus, please contact TRIO Student Support Services at icities.trio@wsu.edu">tricities.trio@wsu.edu.

Contractors will begin the next phase of construction on the Steptoe–Tapteal Intersection Reconstruction Project starting Monday, February 23, bringing long-term lane closures, reduced speeds, and traffic shifts that are expected to remain in place for up to two months.

This project is a major reconstruction effort designed to improve traffic safety, circulation, and long-term infrastructure reliability at one of Richland’s busiest intersections. When complete, improvements will include the realignment of Tapteal Drive, construction of a new intersection leg to the west to provide access to adjacent commercial property, installation of a new traffic signal, and enhanced pedestrian facilities.

In addition to roadway improvements, installation of a new water main will provide increased fire flow capacity to the City’s water system, improving overall reliability and public safety.

As part of this next construction phase, the contractor will begin work on the east side of Steptoe Street, requiring lane closures and long-term traffic shifts through the project area. This work will also require the temporary closure of the west end of Tapteal Drive at its intersection with Steptoe Street, as the intersection is reconstructed.

During the closure, Tapteal Drive traffic will be detoured via Center Parkway or Columbia Center Boulevard. Access for emergency services will be maintained at all times, and traffic control measures will be in place to guide drivers safely through the area.

Motorists traveling through the area should anticipate delays, particularly during peak travel times, and are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time, and follow posted signage and traffic control measures.

This is a private developer-funded project, permitted by the City of Richland and constructed by the developer’s contractor. Construction schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.

Additional information, including construction phasing and detour updates, will be shared as the project advances. More details are available on the project webpage at richlandwa.gov/SteptoeTapteal.

The City appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as this important infrastructure investment moves forward.  To sign up to receive project updates, visit richlandwa.gov/Enotify.

Editors: OHA and OHSU medical experts will hold a media briefing at 11 a.m. today to give an update on measles in Oregon and a new measles data tracking tool. Reporters can join via Zoom at this link; a livestream for the public is available via YouTube at this link. The YouTube livestream will be recorded and can be viewed later. 

February 19, 2026  

Media Contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov 

Oregon reports measles outbreak; new wastewater dashboard tracks measles virus by county

TODAY: Virtual media briefing on measles in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man pleaded guilty today after assaulting a federal officer at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Robert Jacob Hoopes, 25, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of a federal employee with a dangerous weapon resulting in bodily injury.

According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Hoopes threw a large rock and struck an ICE officer in the head, causing a significant laceration over the officer’s eye. Later that same day, he and two other individuals were seen using an upended stop sign as a makeshift battering ram, which resulted in significant damage to the main entry door to the ICE building. 

On August 5, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Hoopes with aggravated assault on a federal employee with a dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property.

Hoopes faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on May 12, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Hoopes has agreed to pay full restitution, estimated to be over $7,000

The FBI is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

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PORTLAND, Ore.— The owner of a tree removal business was sentenced to prison today for willfully failing to pay over employment taxes to the IRS on behalf of the company she owned and operated.

Joyce Leard, 47, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Leard was also ordered to pay $2,880,346.25 in restitution and $100 special assessment.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately 2017 through 2024, Leard owned and operated Mr. Tree Inc., a Happy Valley, Oregon, company that provided tree removal and landscaping services to customers. The company advertised itself as being in business for thirty years and employed approximately 50 to 75 employees each year.

Leard was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from the wages of her employees and paying those funds over to the IRS each quarter, as well as filing quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS.

From the fourth quarter of 2018 through the fourth quarter of 2020, Leard withheld taxes from her employees’ wages but did not pay over those taxes to the IRS or file quarterly employment tax returns. Instead, she used funds in Mr. Tree’s business bank account to pay other expenses and creditors and purchased approximately $3.5 million of real estate. During this period, the company also did not file a corporate tax return, and, from 2018 through 2020, Leard did not file a personal income tax return, as required by law. 

Leard’s conduct caused a total tax loss of over $3.5 million.

On January 14, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 12-count indictment charging Leard with willful failure to account for and pay over tax and willful failure to file return.

On June 16, 2025, Leard pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over tax.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorneys J. Parker Gochenour and Megan E. Wessel of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section prosecuted the case with substantial support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Revenue has begun distributing refunds for the 2025 tax year. Through February 17, the department has processed more than 500,000 electronically filed tax returns.

Most taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds within two weeks of the date their return is filed. Some returns, however, require additional review and can take up to 20 weeks before a refund is issued.

Oregon is returning a $1.41 billion revenue surplus “kicker” to taxpayers in 2026. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer's refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

The department encourages taxpayers to file electronically. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Those who file paper returns will experience a significantly longer wait in 2026 due to processing delays.

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax form information to the Oregon Department of Revenue. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns will not begin until the end of March. The first refunds for paper-filed returns are not expected to be issued until April.

Taxpayers can check the status of their e-filed refund by using the department’s Where’s My Refund? tool. The Department of Revenue recommends that taxpayers wait one week after they have electronically filed their return to use the Where’s My Refund tool. Paper-filed returns won’t show up in the Where’s My Refund? tool until processing begins in late March. Taxpayers mailing their return should wait two weeks after the department starts processing paper returns in late March or after mailing their return, whichever is later.

The Where’s My Refund? tool has been updated for 2026, providing clear messaging about the status of their return to taxpayers who are signed into their Revenue Online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers who don’t have a Revenue Online account can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool but won’t be able to see the updated features.

A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.

Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to make a change to their return. They should choose to either file electronically or by paper. Doing both will delay processing of their return.

In addition to checking the status of their refund, taxpayers can make payments, or get tax forms by visiting the department’s website. Questions can be emailed to questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

Taxpayers can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), the department accepts all relay calls.
 

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WALLA WALLA - 

Green Park Elementary School Principal Cesar Hernandez has announced he will step down from his position at the end of the current school year as he pursues professional opportunities outside of Walla Walla Public Schools.

Hernandez began his career with Walla Walla Public Schools in 2011 as a para-educator. He later served as a teacher at Edison Elementary for five years and was assistant principal at Green Park for two years. He was hired as principal at Green Park in 2022. Throughout his tenure, he has been recognized for his dedication to students, families, and staff, as well as his commitment to inclusive and high-quality education.

Superintendent Dr. Ben Gauyan praised Hernandez for his strong parent outreach, commitment to dual language programs and positive influence on students’ academic and personal growth.

“Cesar has been a passionate advocate for students and families,” Dr. Gauyan said. “His dedication to building strong relationships, supporting bilingual education, and creating welcoming learning environments has had a lasting impact on Green Park and our district. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him well in his next chapter.”

Walla Walla Public Schools will conduct a comprehensive and inclusive search process to identify the next principal of Green Park Elementary. The district is committed to engaging staff, families and community members throughout the process.

Additional information about opportunities to provide input and participate in the search will be shared in the coming days and weeks.

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Pasco WA - For the 28th year, nine exceptional educators from across the Mid-Columbia region are being recognized for the difference they make in the lives of students every day. The Dream Builders Educational Foundation has announced the 2026 Crystal Apple Award honorees, who will be celebrated during a community ceremony from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at Educational Service District 123 (ESD 123) in Pasco.

The Crystal Apple Awards celebrate outstanding educators from nine local school districts, honoring those who inspire learning, build strong classroom communities, and create meaningful opportunities for students to succeed. The annual program highlights the power of public education and the lasting impact educators have across our region.

This year’s honorees are:

• Angie Boothe, 6th–8th grade interventionist for math and English language arts, Columbia Middle School, Burbank School District

• Sydney Freitag, 6th and 7th grade English language arts and STEM teacher, Finley Middle School, Finley School District

• Kori Cannon, kindergarten teacher, Westgate Elementary School, Kennewick School District

• Beth Kalinga, 8th grade physical science teacher, Kiona-Benton City Middle School, Kiona-Benton City School District

• Charlie N. Dansie, 7th–12th grade agriculture science, mechanics and CDL teacher, Connell High School, North Franklin School District

• Tonya Lewis, secondary math teacher, Othello High School, Othello School District

• Elizabeth Copsey, self-contained special education teacher for grades K-4 and structured learning classroom teacher for grades 2-5, Maya Angelou Elementary School, Pasco School District

• Sydney Charvet, 5th grade teacher, Heights Elementary School, Prosser School District

• Nicole Tamura, high school life skills teacher, Richland High School, Richland School District

Founded in 1999 by Dr. John Umbarger, the Crystal Apple Awards were created to honor the education profession by recognizing individuals who make a lasting and positive impact on students’ lives. Since its inception, the program has celebrated more than 300 educators across the region and continues to be supported by community service groups, local businesses, and individuals who believe in recognizing excellence in public education.

During the ceremony, superintendents from the participating districts - Burbank, Finley, Kennewick, Kiona-Benton City, North Franklin, Othello, Pasco, Prosser, and Richland - will present each honoree with a $1,500 cash award, a crystal apple and a certificate.

Community members are encouraged to attend the celebration, which begins promptly at 4:30 p.m. in the Cascade rooms at ESD 123 in Pasco.

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What you should know:

SALEM, Ore. — The state announces the launch of the Tribal Housing Grant Fund (THGF), which is a first-of-its-kind program to provide state funds to help address the housing needs of the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon. 

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund creates a new framework for how the state works with the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “It represents a meaningful step forward in honoring our government-to-government relationship and ensuring Tribes have the resources and flexibility they need to address their critical housing needs.”

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and representatives from Tribal Nations, including housing directors, health and human services directors, and council members, worked for more than a year to develop the program.

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund is a landmark program that elevates Tribal self-determination in a state-funded program,” said Sami Jo Difuntorum, executive director of Siletz Tribal Housing Department and Housing Stability Council member. “The THGF will provide Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes with critical housing resources, providing flexibility in program design.”

“The values, culture, and housing needs of communities are best understood locally,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. "In consultation with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes, the Tribal Housing Grant Fund emphasizes self-determination and flexibility in how Tribes use state resources to address local needs. Honoring Tribal sovereignty, in its richest form, calls on us to operationalize this shared value."

In the 2025 Legislative Session, lawmakers allocated $10 million to OHCS to establish the program. Program funds can be used for affordable rental housing and homeownership initiatives, as well as to maintain By and For Initiative-Native American Tribes of Oregon (BAFI-NATO) investments. 

Tribal Nations will receive funds based on a formula that was previously used by the BAFI-NATO program, where each grantee receives a base amount along with Tribal enrollment numbers.

To obtain the funds, grantees must submit a housing plan every biennium outlining how they will use the money.

Eligible THGF program activities include:

• Homelessness response and prevention ​
• Affordable rental housing
• Homeownership support such as down payment and mortgage assistance
• Land acquisition, infrastructure, development, and rehabilitation ​
• Financial assistance and support services for households that qualify
• Capacity building​

Visit the THGF webpage for more program details.  

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Salem, Ore. – For the third time in a row, the Oregon Lottery has received the World Lottery Association’s (WLA) highest level of certification for its Responsible Gambling/Safer Play program. The certification of Oregon Lottery’s program is a “best in class” designation for a three-year period. 

WLA Level Four Certification for Responsible Gambling is the highest level of responsible gambling certification recognized internationally. The Oregon Lottery was one of the first lotteries in the U.S. to reach this level, first being certified in 2018. Receiving WLA Level Four Certification represents the highest standard of commitment to player protection, demonstrating that an organization has fully embedded responsible gambling principles into its governance, operations, and culture.  

“Maintaining our WLA Level Four certification for more than eight years demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement in Safer Play,” said Mike Wells, director of the Oregon Lottery. “To keep pace with a fast-evolving gambling market, we have responded with innovation and will continue to focus on trust with our players.”

The WLA is recognized as the global authority on the lottery business. It serves the interests of 167 state-authorized lotteries world-wide and gaming organizations from more than 89 countries on six continents. The WLA’s Responsible Gaming Principles and Framework is a certification program that outlines lotteries’ level of commitment to corporate social responsibility and responsible gaming. It allows for cultural and regional differences and is designed to complement and improve the safeguards that individual lottery operators have in place. Oregon Lottery’s program has several unique and impactful focus areas, including the following: 

• Investment in research to identify opportunities to support those just beginning to experience gambling harms and those affected by someone else's gambling. 
• Lottery staff and retailer training that includes self-care strategies for those charged with the important work of promoting Safer Play. 
• "Always On" Safer Play specific advertising to engage players with tools and connect them to help.  

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned $17.8 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery or to read the Responsible Gaming Impacts Report, visit www.oregonlottery.org. 

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon State Parks is hiring seasonal Park Rangers and Park Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2026 season.

Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through June with new positions listed on a rolling basis on the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.

Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.

Salaries start at $20.28 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.79 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, who are enrolled in high school start at $20.27 or more per hour, depending on experience.

Several of Oregon State Parks' top leaders started their careers as seasonal employees, including all three Region Directors.

“We are focused on developing an engaged workforce by partnering with staff on career development, investing in skill building and fostering a culture of belonging. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you make a difference in protecting and promoting Oregon’s special places,” said interim Director Stefanie Coons.

Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Park Rangers at parks around the state. Positions are available in Oregon’s coastal areas, scenic valleys, and mountain regions, offering opportunities to work in some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.

For more information about current openings, visit https://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Recruiting D.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.

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