Ex-teacher from Salem previously convicted of sexual abuse gets 60 years for second victim

A former teacher found guilty of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl — his second confirmed sex abuse victim — was sentenced to 60 years in prison Wednesday. 

Marion County Judge Sean Armstrong sentenced Noah Powers, 45, of Salem, five days after a jury unanimously found the former McKay High School teacher guilty of sexually abusing a young girl. 

Armstrong called Powers actions "shameful."

"You took advantage of a vulnerable mother and her vulnerable child," he told Powers.

He ruled that Powers would not be eligible for early release or good-time during his 60-year sentence. 

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Powers, who took the rare move of testifying during his trial last week, declined to speak during the sentencing.

The girl's mother said she felt like an "easy, unsuspecting target" for trusting Powers.

"The impact that your heinous and despicable actions has had on our lives, on our families' lives, will never cease to exist," she said. "To be clear, this has scarred each and every one of us in a way that will never fade."

The trial was the second time Powers faced sexual abuse allegations. He pleaded guilty to attempted sex abuse of a child in 2006 and served time in prison.

In the latest case, he was charged with first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree sodomy, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and attempted rape.

Case made for longer sentence

Prosecutor Ashley Cadotte argued for a lengthy sentence on Wednesday.

His defense attorney Matthew Tracey argued for a much shorter sentence, asking Armstrong to find the Measure 11 and Jessica's Law mandatory minimum sentencing of 25 years unconstitutional. 

He called a sentence longer than that "cruel and unusual."

Unlawful first-degree sexual penetration and first-degree sodomy are both Measure 11 offenses and each requires a mandatory minimum sentence of eight years and four months in prison.

First-degree sex abuse is also a Measure 11 offense and requires a mandatory minimum sentence of six years and three months.

But because of Powers' previous convictions — and the young age of his victim — he faced a much longer sentence.

After the jury read its guilty verdict, Powers waived his right to have the jury make factual findings regarding the aggravating factors involved in his case. Instead, Tracey and Cadotte argued the factors before Judge Armstrong.

Previous coverage:Jury finds ex-McKay teacher guilty of sex abuse of 11-year-old girl

Cadotte said Powers had shown persistent involvement in abuse and prior sanctions had not deterred the abuse, specifically of children he was trusted to care for. 

She said his incarceration was necessary for public safety. 

Tracey contended that Powers was less of a risk to the public. He said his family was willing to take him if he was released. His current charges varied from his previous conviction, Tracey added. 

Cadotte countered that yes, the current case contained different allegation, but only because Powers' abuse escalated in severity. 

She argued that Powers should be sentenced to 60 years in prison. 

In a sentencing memorandum, Cadotte said Powers was calculated in his progression of the abuse and his manipulation of the victim. She said a lengthy sentence reflects the severity of the reoccurring abuse, which he "perpetrated under the guise of a loving father figure."

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"He used his role in the victim's life to ensure his access, as well as her silence," Cadotte said. 

Furthermore, she added, this trial was not the first time Powers positioned himself in the life of a young child, only to abuse and traumatize them. 

Defendant had changed his name

At the time of his earlier arrest in 2006, Powers went by a different name — Noah Harouff — and was working as an English-as-a-second-language teacher at McKay High School. 

He was accused of abusing his then-step-daughter weekly at their West Salem home over the course of three years. His most recent victim was also a minor known to him.

After pleading guilty to attempted sexual abuse in 2006, serving time in prison and undergoing sex offender treatment, Powers changed his last name and continued living in Salem.

After his previous victim successfully sued him in 2013, Powers was ordered to pay her for damages. The judge also granted a permanent injunction against Powers ordering him to stay 100 yards away from her, her work and her home. 

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Powers was arrested in 2018 on new sex abuse charges. 

According to court records, he was accused of molesting, trying to rape and sodomizing his victim, a girl under the age of 12, over a three-year span.

The then-11-year-old girl disclosed the abuse to her mother by writing her a note. Her mother reported the abuse to police. In addition to the Marion County charges, Powers is also facing sex abuse charges out of Linn County involving the same victim. 

After the verdict was read Friday, the victim hugged her family. Her mother said the verdict was a "triumph."

"Our desire to see him get a long sentence has to do with justice and protecting all children in the future," the victim's aunt said. 

Her mother added, "It's the only reason my daughter was willing to take the stand. It was not out of self-preservation but out the preservation of innocent children in the future. That was the inspiration for her bravery."

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Despite his prison time and treatment, Cadotte said, "(Powers) has demonstrated that he is unable to conform his behavior as he has repeated the same conduct involving a new victim, leaving a new wake of destruction and devastation in the life of a young child."

Police did not uncover any abuse involving any of Powers' students at McKay. He resigned from his position in January 2006. Five months later, Oregon's Teacher Standards and Practices Commission permanently revoked his teaching license.

Cadotte said Powers' behavior and own statements indicate he is a danger to the public and particularly dangerous to children. 

"He is deserving of a sentence that not only reflects his conduct but protects the community," she said. 

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodwort@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-399-6884 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth