September 9, 2003

Siblings Of Ashley Pond Taken Into Protective Custody




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ESTACADA - The Clackamas County Sheriff's child abuse team have removed the three siblings of murdered Oregon City girl, Ashley Pond, from Lori Pond's custody.
The abuse team responded to allegations of child neglect, which was initiated by a school councilor in Estacada.

The children, ages 12, 8, and 1-years old, were taken into protective custody for safe harbor, Monday afternoon.

Clackamas County officials believe they have 'sufficient evidence' to remove the children from their mother, Lori Pond's custody.

"This child was having difficulty in her home because of alcohol abuse that was ongoing in the home by Lori Pond, and domestic violence in which Lori was involved with," said Jim Strovink of the Clackamas County Sheriffs office.

"Yea, I would go out every once in awhile," said Lori Pond in an interview with KATU in July 2002. "But I dont go out to the bars, I mean, I'm a mom."

In July 2002, Lori Pond denied having alcohol-related problems. She was charged with drunken driving in 1998, but the case was dismissed after she completed a diversion program.

Even though the children have been taken, no charges have been filed, and the investigation continues.

Stovink said that Lori Pond has been cooperative.

An initial hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at the Clackamas County Juvenile Court.

Pond's attorney Linda Beloof said Monday she was aware of the abuse investigation but could not comment.

Ashley Pond, who was 12 at the time, vanished on her way to school from a low-income neighborhood south of Portland on Jan. 9, 2002, where she lived with her mother and siblings.

When her schoolmate Miranda Gaddis disappeared under near identical circumstances two months later, the FBI launched a massive, nationwide search.

Ashley's remains were discovered a few hundred yards from their front doors, buried and wrapped in a plastic bag in the back yard of neighbor Ward Weaver. Miranda's remains were found in Weaver's shed.

The district attorney is seeking the death penalty against Weaver.

It is unknown how Monday's action will effect Lori Pond's plans to sue DHS.




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