Marion County Sheriff Issues Alert for Salem Offender
Authorities released a public notification regarding the residency of registered sex offender Samuel Gardiner in Salem.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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The Marion County Sheriff's Office has issued a public notification concerning 36-year-old Samuel Gardiner, who resides on Aumsville Highway SE. Gardiner is currently under post-prison supervision for two counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.
Why it matters
The Sheriff's Office released this information to enhance public safety and protection for the Salem community. Officials have classified Gardiner as having a potential to re-offend, necessitating the public notice under state law.
Samuel Gardiner is under supervision for two felony convictions, with official status filed pursuant to ORS 163A.215. The notification marks his classification as an individual with a potential to re-offend under local supervision guidelines.
The players
Marion County Sheriff's Office
This agency serves as the primary law enforcement and public safety authority for Marion County, Oregon.
Samuel Gardiner
He is a 36-year-old registered sex offender residing in Salem who is under state supervision.
The details
Gardiner, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound individual with brown hair and eyes, is subject to strict conditions, including a complete prohibition on contact with minors. He is also restricted from frequenting locations where minors typically congregate until his supervision term concludes.
Timeline
May 23, 2025: Gardiner was granted post-prison supervision.
October 21, 2026: The Sheriff's Office issued the public notice.
May 22, 2028: Supervision is currently scheduled to expire.
Legal Context
This notification is issued under the framework of ORS 163A.215, which dictates how the state balances offender privacy with the public right to know. Such notices are a standard procedure for law enforcement to manage individuals classified with a high risk of re-offending.
Residents living near the Aumsville Highway SE area should remain aware of the specific supervision conditions, including the restriction on contact with minors. The notification is intended to help the public maintain vigilance and enhance safety in their neighborhood.
The takeaway
Public notifications regarding registered offenders are tools intended to help communities maintain safety through awareness. Residents should focus on observing supervision conditions and reporting any suspicious behavior to local authorities.
What happens next
Samuel Gardiner's post-prison supervision is scheduled to expire on May 22, 2028.
Further reading
Learn more about local public safety protocols in the Salem Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KMTR.
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