Federal prosecutors say two women escaped after being abducted from a tent along a public hiking trail.
PORTLAND, Ore. — A 58-year-old Oregon man has been charged in federal court after authorities said he cut into a tent occupied by two women on a public hiking trail, kidnapped them and threatened to sexually assault them during an overnight attack in Tillamook County.
Federal prosecutors announced the charges nearly two years after the July 4, 2024, incident, identifying the suspect as Gene Arnold McLenithan of Salem. The case has drawn attention because of the violent allegations, McLenithan’s prior sex-crime convictions and investigators’ belief that additional victims may exist. A federal judge has ordered McLenithan held without bond while the criminal case moves forward.
According to prosecutors, the attack began around midnight on July 4, 2024, while two women were camping near a public hiking trail in Tillamook County. Investigators allege McLenithan approached the campsite and cut into the victims’ tent before forcing them from the shelter. Court filings state that he then kidnapped the women and moved them from the campsite. Prosecutors allege he bound the victims and covered their eyes during the ordeal. Authorities say the women did not know McLenithan before the encounter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rochat told a court hearing that the suspect allegedly carried a bag containing razor-sharp knives and threatened sexual violence. At one point, according to prosecutors, he warned the women that resisting was “not worth” their lives. Despite those threats, the women eventually escaped. Authorities have not publicly explained how the escape occurred.
Many details of the investigation remain under seal, leaving unanswered questions about the sequence of events and the evidence that led federal authorities to file charges. Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed whether any physical assault occurred beyond the alleged kidnapping and threats. Court records available to the public provide only a limited account of what investigators believe happened after the women were taken from the campsite. Federal authorities allege the suspect intended to sexually assault the victims and have charged him with kidnapping and attempted abusive sexual contact. Prosecutors say the charges stem from evidence gathered during an extensive investigation that continued well after the incident occurred. The government has not publicly explained why charges were filed in 2026 rather than shortly after the alleged crime. Investigators also have not detailed what prompted them to announce that they are looking into the possibility of additional victims.
The allegations have renewed attention on McLenithan’s criminal history. Court records cited by Oregon media outlets show he was convicted in 2000 on sodomy and burglary charges connected to a 1999 attack in Otis, Oregon. That earlier case involved allegations that he entered a residence and sexually assaulted a woman. The prior convictions resulted in his registration as a sex offender. Prosecutors referenced that history during detention proceedings as they argued that he should remain in custody pending trial. The government contends the alleged 2024 camping attack followed a pattern of predatory conduct involving women in isolated settings. Defense arguments have not been fully disclosed in public filings. Because portions of the current case remain sealed, the full evidentiary record has not yet been presented in open court. As a result, many facts remain allegations that have not been tested before a jury.
Federal prosecutors have charged McLenithan by criminal complaint with kidnapping and attempted abusive sexual contact. If the case proceeds to trial and results in convictions, the kidnapping count could carry a potential life sentence under federal law. The attempted abusive sexual contact charge also carries substantial prison exposure. A judge has ordered McLenithan detained while the case proceeds, finding that he should remain in custody pending future hearings. Investigators from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. Authorities have indicated they are reviewing information that could determine whether other crimes may be connected to the suspect. Additional charges remain possible if investigators uncover evidence involving other victims or incidents. Court dates are expected to be scheduled as prosecutors prepare to present evidence and seek an indictment.
The case has generated concern among outdoor recreation communities because of the unusual nature of the allegations. Campgrounds and hiking trails across Oregon attract thousands of visitors each year, particularly during the summer holiday season when the alleged attack occurred. The image described by investigators—a tent cut open in the middle of the night, followed by an abduction into a remote area—stands out even among serious criminal cases. While officials have released only limited details, they have emphasized that the investigation remains active. The surviving victims have not been publicly identified, and authorities have provided few details about their condition after escaping. Their ability to flee the suspect, however it occurred, became a critical turning point in the case and allowed investigators to continue gathering evidence. Law enforcement officials have said they remain focused on determining whether the alleged attack was an isolated incident.
For now, McLenithan remains in federal custody as prosecutors pursue the case. Investigators continue reviewing evidence and seeking information that could clarify the events of July 4, 2024. The next major milestone is expected to come during upcoming federal court proceedings as the case moves toward indictment and further hearings.
Author note: Last updated June 3, 2026.