David Paul Buchanan PHOTO PROVIDED
On July 14, 2018, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report that an adult male allegedly had inappropriate contact with a juvenile female while she was at a local park with her family and a large group. Initial reports indicated the man was wearing an Oregon State Park Ranger uniform.
Deputies responded and located David Paul Buchanan, 32, of Eugene, a seasonal park ranger assistant with the Oregon State Parks. Deputies detained Buchanan while they spoke with witnesses in the area. Buchanan was subsequently placed under arrest for Sex Abuse in the First Degree.
After additional investigation, it was determined that Buchanan also matched the description of a suspect who allegedly exposed himself to two juvenile females at Dexter Lake on June 23, 2018.
Buchanan (currently lodged at the Lane County Jail) is also being charged with Public Indecency in connection with the Dexter Lake report.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has been cooperating with the Sheriff’s Office during the investigation of this incident, and has placed Buchanan on unpaid administrative leave.
The Sheriff’s Office is concerned there may be additional victims or witnesses and is asking anyone who has additional information about the above-listed events, or any additional events involving Buchanan, to contact Detective Greg Jones at 541-682-2342.