Ryan Graichen sentenced to 10 years in prison
Ryan Graichen
A former Portland police officer who pleaded guilty to offering minors alcohol and drugs, so he could video tape them for sexual pleasure is sentenced to 10 years in prison today.
During today's sentencing hearing, a very emotional Ryan Graichen told his family, the victims, and police officers he was sorry for what he did - but said he is prepared to accept the consequences for his actions.
Last year, Graichen pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, three counts of attempting to engage in sexual conduct for a fee, and two counts of paying a minor for sexual conduct.
Graichen said since he's been in jail, he has become a changed man and told the judge he will never break the law again.
Prosecutors however, said Graichen is a threat to the community and to young girls.
Two of the victims even testified in court about how the incidents have affected their lives.
"It was hard for me to think that he came up to me. Like what if I was with my son, and he took us. That if I was alone, like I can't take my son anywhere alone" said one of the victims.
"I am so sorry for approaching you, and causing you the fear and the anxiety that I caused by my actions. I was completely out of line in my proposals. It was out of my character" said Graichen.
Graichen spoke in court for 45 minutes.
He says he went into a dark place after he was involved in a deadly officer involved shooting while working as a police officer in Portland - and he turned to pornography to escape reality.
He says it was slippery slope.
After Graichen serves his 10 year sentence, he will spend the next three years in community custody.