Gene Arnold McLenithan, 58, a registered sex offender, has been charged with kidnapping and attempted abusive sexual contact after allegedly breaking into the tent of two women camping in Tillamook County, Oregon, in 2024.
Incident Details
The alleged attack occurred around midnight on July 4, 2024, on a public hiking trail. Authorities say McLenithan bound the victims, covered their eyes, and threatened to sexually assault them while carrying a bag of sharp knives.
According to prosecutors, McLenithan told the women, “it’s not worth” their lives, while making the threats. It has not been publicly explained how the victims managed to escape.
Criminal History
McLenithan was previously convicted in 2000 for sodomy and burglary in connection with a 1999 attack in Otis, Oregon. This prior history was noted in court filings related to the current case.
Arrest and Detention
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon confirmed that McLenithan has been detained pending further court appearances. Authorities are investigating the case further.
Call for Additional Information
Investigators believe there may be other victims. Anyone with information or who may have been victimized by McLenithan is urged to contact the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov.
