Two Locals Arrested On Sex Abuse of a Minor Charges
An ongoing investigation into two separate child sex abuse cases in western Lane County has resulted in arrests this week. According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy assigned to the West Lane patrol area first received information in May about two unrelated cases involving adult males sexually abusing teenage children. Detectives continued investigating over the following months. In one case, 40-year-old David Robert Neubert, Jr. of Florence was identified as a suspect. Detectives served a search warrant on November 19th at a residence in the 88000 block of Highway 101 north of Florence. Neubert was taken into custody and later lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges filed by the District Attorney’s Office, including three counts of sex abuse in the second degree and two counts of furnishing alcohol to a minor. In the second case, 44-year-old Jesse Michael Shelton of Mapleton was identified as a suspect. After evidence was found during a June search warrant, Shelton remained outstanding until November 19th, when deputies located him at a residence on Cedar Creek Road. He attempted to flee but was found by K9 Ripp along Sweet Creek. Shelton was lodged at the Lane County Jail on multiple charges, including sex abuse in the second degree, strangulation, unlawful delivery of a marijuana item, furnishing alcohol to a minor, and felon in possession of a firearm.
Update on Hit and Run
More on the hit and run investigation on the Big Dog Donuts building has resulted in the arrest of three juveniles after a police pursuit and crash late Monday night. Florence Police say the case began at 2:41 a.m. on November 23rd when officers responded to a vehicle that struck a building at 1136 Highway 101, causing significant damage. A matching vehicle was later reported stolen from the 3700 block of Highway 101, and information from the Flock camera system helped officers track it. Just before 11:30 p.m. on November 24th, an officer located the suspected stolen vehicle on Highway 101 near 18th Street. When a stop was attempted, the driver sped off, leading to a pursuit that ended when the vehicle crashed at 9th and Rhododendron. All three occupants ran but were quickly detained. Police say all are juveniles and were not hurt. Evidence linked the vehicle to the earlier hit-and-run. Charges include felony elude, possession of a stolen vehicle, reckless driving, and reckless endangering. All three were taken to the juvenile detention facility in Eugene.
Hotel to Break Ground in December
The Florence Urban Renewal Agency says the property transaction for the Quince Street Hotel Project has officially closed with Braun Hospitality. The agreement transfers 3.12 acres on Quince Street for construction of a four-story, 86-room Wyndham Microtel hotel across from the Florence Events Center. Construction is set to begin in December with completion expected in Spring 2027. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for December 9th at 11 a.m. with representatives from Braun Hospitality, Todd Construction, FURA, and the City of Florence. Officials say the project fulfills a long-term community vision dating back more than 30 years to support the Events Center and boost local economic development. Matt Braun told coast radio that you will likely see staging going on this week with fencing going in place and the first shovel in the ground is expected on Monday December first.