In a harrowing case that has shaken the Salem community, former middle school teacher and U.S. Army reservist Reece A. Sorenson, 29, has been sentenced to 66 months (5.5 years) in state prison after pleading guilty to severely abusing his six-week-old twin infants.
Marion County Circuit Court Judge Courtland Geyer handed down the 5.5-year term following Sorenson’s guilty plea to five counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment. In addition to his prison term, Sorenson will serve 36 months of post-prison supervision.
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Case Snapshot: State of Oregon v. Reece A. Sorenson
• Case Number: Marion County Circuit Court Case 25CR45343
• Defendant: Reece A. Sorenson (Age 29), former middle school teacher & Army reservist
• Victims: 6-week-old twin infants
• Conviction: 5 Counts of First-Degree Criminal Mistreatment
• Sentence Imposed: 66 Months Prison + 36 Months Post-Prison Supervision
• Presiding Judge: Hon. Courtland Geyer
• Prosecution: Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple
The Investigation: Emergency Room Visit Uncovers Horrific Injuries
The case unfolded in August 2025 when Sorenson and his wife brought their six-week-old twin children to the Salem Hospital emergency department. Medical staff initially examined one of the infants because the child was experiencing difficulty sucking while feeding.
A comprehensive pediatric medical evaluation revealed severe, non-accidental physical trauma inflicted on both newborns:
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First Infant: Diagnosed with 4 broken ribs and a traumatic mouth injury.
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Second Infant: Suffered 12 broken ribs, broken collarbones, and extensive facial bruising around the eyes.
Medical experts and investigators concluded that the pattern of skeletal fractures was consistent with severe physical compression, forceful squeezing, and direct physical abuse. Detectives from the Salem Police Department were immediately dispatched to the hospital, launching a formal criminal investigation.
Former Army Reservist and Middle School Educator
Court records show that Sorenson previously served as a U.S. Army reservist and worked as a middle school educator in Oregon.
Aaron Harada, a spokesperson for the Salem-Keizer School District, confirmed that Sorenson was employed as a math teacher at Parrish Middle School in Salem. Following the notification of criminal abuse allegations by law enforcement on August 18, 2025, the school district immediately placed Sorenson on administrative leave. Sorenson formally submitted his resignation from the school district eight days later, on August 26, 2025.
Courtroom Proceedings, State Demands, and Final Sentence
During the sentencing hearing in Marion County Circuit Court, Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple detailed the gravity of the abuse inflicted upon the defenseless newborns.
Prosecutor Semple argued that the state of Oregon must hold perpetrators accountable for violence against vulnerable infants, noting during proceedings: “Oregon should do better to protect victims who cannot describe their pain.”
| Sentencing Parameters & Recommendations | Term Length |
| Statutory Minimum Sentence | Probation |
| Defense Attorney Request | 3 Months Prison + Counseling/Classes |
| State Prosecutor Request (DDA Katharine Semple) | 125 Months (10.4 Years) Oregon Dept. of Corrections |
| Statutory Maximum Penalty | 148 Months (~12.3 Years) |
| Final Judicial Sentence (Judge Courtland Geyer) | 66 Months (5.5 Years) (~33 months per child) |
While defense counsel Marc Gunn requested a minimal three-month jail term citing Sorenson’s attendance in anger management and parenting courses, Judge Geyer ruled that prison time was necessary given the severe nature of the injuries. Sorenson will be required to complete 36 months of post-prison supervision upon his release from the Oregon Department of Corrections.
Father Drank 8 Pints of Beer and Shook Four-Week-Old Baby to Death
In a devastating domestic violence trial at Bristol Crown Court, 39-year-old Tony Bartlett was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 18 years after violently shaking his four-week-old son, Atticus, to death. Bartlett had denied charges of murder and manslaughter, claiming his son simply became unresponsive while he was comforting him. However, prosecutors demonstrated that after consuming nearly nine pints of beer during a night at the pub, Bartlett lost his temper with the “grizzly” baby when he struggled to feed. In a brief, violent outburst, Bartlett gripped the infant tightly around his ribcage and shook him forcefully—causing catastrophic brain injuries, spinal trauma, and rib fractures comparable to a high-speed vehicle crash. Atticus collapsed at the family’s home in Chard, Somerset, and died in the hospital seven days later after life support was withdrawn.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Reece A. Sorenson’s prison sentence?
Judge Courtland Geyer sentenced Reece A. Sorenson to 66 months (5.5 years) in the Oregon Department of Corrections, followed by 3 years (36 months) of mandatory post-prison supervision.
What crimes did Reece Sorenson plead guilty to?
Sorenson pleaded guilty to five felony counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment involving his six-week-old twin infants.
Where did Reece Sorenson work prior to his arrest?
Sorenson was a math teacher at Parrish Middle School within the Salem-Keizer School District. He was placed on administrative leave in mid-August 2025 and resigned shortly thereafter. He also previously served as an Army reservist.
What injuries did the infant twins sustain?
Hospital staff diagnosed the twin infants with a total of 16 broken ribs (4 on one infant, 12 on the other), broken collarbones, facial bruising, and mouth injuries caused by physical trauma.
