In a case that has brought to light the severe mistreatment of a child, Jamie Strahm has been sentenced to a 23-month term for starvation-related criminal mistreatment charges. Multnomah County Judge Leslie Bottomly ordered Strahm to serve 90 days in jail followed by 36 months of probation, which includes a mandatory parenting class and psychological evaluation, with the stipulation of complying with all recommended treatments. Furthermore, Strahm is to have no contact with the victim and is prohibited from using physical discipline on any child. Following the initial 90 days, Strahm will serve 20 months in the Department of Corrections, and an additional 36 months under post-prison supervision, as detailed in a press release from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
The press release from Friday, reveals that the case against Strahm was put forth by Deputy District Attorney Rachna Hajari and Senior Deputy DA Charles Mickley. They worked diligently to advocate for and protect the young victim, who has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of prolonged abuse. The victim’s courage throughout the ordeal, coupled with the compassionate efforts of those who have since provided care, are noted as inspirational. The prosecuting attorneys and Emma Kane, the Victim Advocate, have been credited for their dedication to securing justice for the victim.
On March 11, Strahm was convicted of two counts of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree, one for withholding necessary and adequate food, and the other for withholding necessary and adequate medical attention, from the same victim. The conviction came after a Multnomah County jury trial where it was revealed that the victim, who was in Strahm’s care, had suffered an unexplained brain injury in 2015 and left the hospital with a G-tube for feeding. Over the four years that Strahm was responsible, the child’s weight dropped to the 13th percentile, a significant health concern given his need to gain weight during that developmental period…