A Central Oregon kidnapping and assault case took a new turn this week after the attorney for a 38-year-old woman accused in the attack told a judge that his client was herself a victim.
Chelsey Moore is accused of participating in the kidnapping and assault of a man who was allegedly taken from a medical facility in Redmond on Aug. 11 and later found injured in the area. During a court hearing, Moore’s court-appointed attorney, Aaron Bishow, argued that she was forced to participate after allegedly being threatened with a firearm.
Bishow told the court that Moore was facing a gun when she was allegedly made to take part in the attack. He also argued that she should not be viewed as a willing participant in the alleged crimes.
Prosecutors presented a different account. They told the court that investigators have evidence indicating Moore was involved in the attack and had allegedly planned to participate. Prosecutors also disputed the defense claim that Moore was forced to remove the man’s finger or tattoo derogatory language on his forehead.
The case began unfolding after an adult man was reported missing on Aug. 12. Investigators determined that he had last been seen at St. Charles Medical Center in Redmond at about 11:30 p.m. the previous night.
Surveillance footage helped investigators identify Efram Palafox, 41, as the person last seen with the man. Police said their investigation later produced information indicating that the man had been forced to leave the hospital against his will.
Investigators eventually identified an area southeast of Redmond where they allege the man was restrained and assaulted. Police said he was tied to a tree, suffered serious injuries and had one of his fingers removed. Investigators also said he was tattooed in a derogatory manner during the assault.
The victim was found on Aug. 12 walking along a road near Deschutes Pet Lodge. He was suffering from injuries and was taken to St. Charles in Bend for medical treatment.
Authorities later searched a residence associated with Palafox on Powell Butte Highway. Police said the search produced DNA evidence, a possible weapon connected to the assault and the missing finger. The investigation involved Redmond police, the Central Oregon Major Incident Team, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies.
Moore and Palafox are facing charges that include first-degree kidnapping, assault, menacing and unlawful use of a weapon. The allegations against Moore are now at the center of a dispute between her defense and prosecutors: her attorney maintains that she acted under coercion, while prosecutors contend that the evidence points to her active involvement.
Bishow also told the court that Moore has a brain tumor and needs medical treatment. He said she is expected to be allowed to travel to a local medical center for treatment later this month.
Moore is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 7.
The allegations against both defendants remain unresolved in court. The charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
