District Attorney

John Wentworth, the Clackamas County District Attorney, has served the community for two and a half decades. A Clackamas High School graduate, he returned home in 1999 after five years as a deputy district attorney in Coos County.

With over 30 years of prosecution experience, John has built a reputation as a tough, fair and thoroughly prepared trial attorney. He has prosecuted many of Clackamas County’s most serious criminal cases, including homicides, sexual assaults, domestic violence and crimes against children.

John is recognized statewide as an expert in prosecuting domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse. He has led efforts to strengthen Oregon laws that protect elders and victims of domestic and sexual abuse, and he believes deeply in safeguarding the county’s most vulnerable residents. His collaborative approach includes working closely with law enforcement, probation, victim advocates, judges, defense attorneys, legislators and community organizations to improve public safety and the criminal justice system.

In addition to his role as District Attorney, John serves on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Center, an accredited child abuse intervention center. He is the current President of the Oregon District Attorneys Association and a Board member of the National District Attorneys Association.

John is committed to fairness, justice, data-informed decision–making and addressing the root causes of crime.

He holds Bachelor of Science degrees from Oregon State University and a Juris Doctor from Lewis & Clark’s Northwestern School of Law.

Awards and Recognition

• Outstanding Victim Advocacy
  Crime Victims’ Assistance Network of Oregon
• Public Service Award
  Clackamas County Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team
• Special Service Award
  Oregon Health Care Association
• Impact Award
  Domestic Violence and Vulnerable Adult Team, Clackamas Women’s Services

All offices are open to the public from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How the District Attorney’s Office Works with Law Enforcement

The District Attorney’s Office partners closely with local law enforcement, but we are separate agencies with distinct roles. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for investigating reports of criminal activity. The length and scope of those investigations depend on the nature and seriousness of the alleged crime. 

After an investigation is complete, the case may be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for review. The type of crime determines which of our prosecution teams will handle the case. 

To ensure consistent communication and better support for victims, the prosecutor assigned to a case remains with that case from start to finish. This approach helps provide clarity, continuity and a stronger sense of trust throughout the legal process. 

We help children receive the financial and medical support they need to thrive.

To accomplish this, we work with parents and families to make sure children receive regular support payments and that support orders are fair to everyone. In the case of parents who are unwilling but able to pay support, our office utilizes strong enforcement measures to collect the court ordered child support.

Please note that we are a law office that represents Clackamas County and we do not represent you or anyone else involved in your case.

What We Do

• Establish parentage for children of unmarried parents
• Establish a support order if you don't have one
• Collect, account for, and distribute payments under an existing support order
• Modify support orders on request, every 35 months or if there is a substantial change
• Take enforcement action for parents that are unwilling to pay support

How To Contact Us and Get Help

We provide services on request. Download an application or sign up for services online.

Resources

• The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) offers a helpful overview of child support services.
• Trying to make a payment?
  • Almost all child support is collected through income withholding. The best way to keep your payments up to date is to call us at 503-655-8469 and make sure we have your current employer.
  • For other ways to pay, visit How Paying Child Support Works. Note that the State charges fees for online payments through mypaymentportal.com.
• See what your child support amount might be with an online child support calculator.
• If you need a lawyer, consider contacting the Oregon State Bar or the Clackamas County Bar for a referral. If you have a lawyer representing you, we are only allowed to talk to your lawyer unless they tell us to talk with you.
• Learn more about confidentiality in unsafe situations in the child support system.

More Guidance

• ¿Qué es el sustento de menores?
• Family Law Facilitators
• Parenting Plan Enforcement
• Problems With Custody/Support

The mission of the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program is to involve crime victims and the community in a process that helps to diminish the devastating impact of crime. Experienced advocates are available to assist victims of all crimes and provide support to individuals who have suffered physical, emotional and/or financial harm as the result of crime.

Advocates provide:

Hope Card

If you have received a protective order, the State of Oregon has created the Hope Card Program to give petitioners a convenient way to provide information about their orders to law enforcement, employers, landlords, schools, etc.

Types of protective orders that qualify for a Hope card:

Request a Hope Card

Want to be a Volunteer?

Help support victims of crime in your community as a Volunteer Victim Advocate

The Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office supports victims of crime through the use of volunteers as well as staff advocates. As a Volunteer Victim Advocate, you have the unique privilege of providing crisis intervention and ongoing support to people in the aftermath of trauma caused by crime. Advocates keep victims informed of events in their case, accompany victims to court and support them in accessing their rights under Oregon law. The support of an advocate during a difficult and complicated process can minimize additional stress and trauma a victim of crime may experience.

The work of our volunteers is supported by District Attorney’s staff and includes an initial, comprehensive, 40-hour training as well as ongoing monthly meetings which provide information on advocacy skills and resources for victims of crime. The initial 40-hour training is offered twice a year and classes are held in the evening. Our next training starts in September 2026.

Many volunteers work full-time jobs along with their volunteer commitment. Essential qualities for an advocate include empathy, good listening skills and being able to help people problem-solve. Advocates must be at least 18 years of age, have reliable transportation and no criminal background. Victim advocacy is a very rewarding opportunity give back to your community.

For more information, please contact victim assistance office at 503-655-8616 or email at victimsassistance@clackamas.us.

Civil Rights Compliance Statement for Clackamas County DA-VAP

The Clackamas County District Attorney's Office Victim Assistance operates its program, services and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws. No person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any of our programs. To file a complaint of discrimination, write Office for Civil Rights, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (OCR), 810 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 2O53t or call 202-307-0690 (Voice or 2O2-3O7-2O27 (TDD/TTY). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may also contact OCR through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (TTY), 877-877-8982 (Speech) or 800-845-6136 (Spanish). To file a complaint of discrimination with this organization, write, or call. To file a complaint of discrimination with the Oregon Department of Justice, Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division, write Oregon Department of Justice, Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division, Attn: Shannon Sivell, Complaint Coordinator, L1.62 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301 or call 503-378-5348. You may also email shannon.l.sivell@doi.state.or.us.

• 2025 Grand Jury Corrections Panel Office Report
• Grand Jury Corrections Panel Official Report 2024
• CCDA Report: Fatal Officer Involved Shooting of Andrew Hyun Song - June 4, 2024
• CCDA Report: Officer-involved shooting regarding Carlos Sanchez - July 2023
• CCDA Report: Officer-involved shooting regarding Carlos Sanchez - April 2023
• CCDA REPORT Fatal Police Shooting of Jack Watson
• 2023 Offical Report: Clackamas County Grand Jury
• CCDA Report: Fatal Officer Involved Shooting of Nathan T. Honeycutt
• CCDA Report: Fatal Police Shooting of Jeremiah Wright