A duo, Ronald Lee Hassler and Megan Alizabeth Rainey, were arrested by Newberg-Dundee police in early October following a surge of car prowls and vehicle thefts in Newberg earlier this year. Both face multiple charges related to stealing various items from vehicles, as well as the theft of cars themselves.
The Newberg-Dundee Police Department launched an investigation after receiving numerous reports of car prowls in the community. “Earlier this year, we saw a significant rise in car prowl thefts across Newberg,” the police stated. Suspects targeted both locked and unlocked vehicles, stealing high-value items including two firearms.
Police officers and detectives collected surveillance footage from various locations, which helped identify Hassler, 50, and Rainey, 34. Warrants were secured, and both were arrested on October 7 at a residence in Newberg.
Hassler faces several charges, including first-degree criminal mischief, first- and second-degree theft, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and possession of a stolen vehicle. He was booked and released without bail.
Rainey is expected to face similar charges upon her upcoming arraignment.
Hassler is no stranger to the legal system. His criminal record dates back to 1993 with a theft conviction in Washington County. Over the years, he has been arrested multiple times for offenses including theft, burglary, identity theft, drug possession, felon in possession of weapons, reckless driving, and more. His most recent major case was in 2018, which led to a 30-month sentence and restitution payments exceeding $44,000.
Rainey also has a criminal history involving forgery, theft, DUII, identity theft, unauthorized use of vehicles, and other charges. In 2018, she pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and was placed in drug court, with her sentence deferred after paying over $12,000 in restitution.
