Man gave preteen girl fentanyl before sexually abusing her, attempted to kill deputy

Editor’s Note: This story contains details that may be disturbing for some readers.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A man was convicted of giving meth to a 12-year-old girl and raping her under the influence in 2022, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday.

In a separate case, he was also found guilty of attempted murder after shooting at a Washington County deputy during a high-speed chase.

On Feb. 9, 2022, police found that James Leland Tijerina, 31, had given fentanyl to the girl and called 911 when she became unresponsive.

“Investigators learned the victim was a runaway and had spent the last several days with the defendant,” officials said. “After initially denying an inappropriate relationship with the defendant, the victim disclosed several instances of abuse committed by Mr. Tijerina and provided photos and videos that helped corroborate her disclosure.”

The girl told police Tijerina had given her meth and fentanyl several times over the course of a few days and described that he had raped her while she was under the influence. A second underage victim also told authorities that Tijerina had given her acid following a surgery when she was 12 years old.

Tijerina was arrested and indicted by a Washington County grand jury but then released while awaiting trial. After failing to appear in court on Oct. 10, 2023, he started a high-speed chase that ended in him firing several rounds at an officer. 

“Deputy Michael Vargas was targeted because he was displaying extreme bravery by trying to stop a vehicle that was posing a danger to the community, despite the obvious risks for his own safety,” officials said.

Tijerina was arrested and taken to Washington County Jail, where authorities discovered he had smuggled a “substantial quantity” of fentanyl inside. He also reportedly called a witness from the jail and told her to not appear in court.

Officials said the witness “later disclosed being fearful of retaliation if she participated as a witness in the cases.”

On Feb. 5, 2025, a jury found Tijerina guilty of second-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse, unlawful sexual penetration, unlawful delivery of meth to a minor, unlawful delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance to a minor, and recklessly endangering another person. 

Six days later, Tijerina also pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted murder with a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, supplying contraband, unlawful possession of a controlled substance in a substantial quantity, and witness tampering.

“It’s been a long road for everyone involved in and affected by Mr. Tijerina’s actions over the last three years.” Deputy DA Meisel said after the trial. “These guilty verdicts and guilty pleas represent a path to true healing for all who have been victimized by Mr. Tijerina.”

Tijerina’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 21.