LARRY LAVERNE MANN FROM SPRINGFIELD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN EUGENE AND SPRINGFIELD

Larry LaVerne Mann, a man aged 51 from Springfield, has been handed down a six-year prison sentence following his conviction for sexually abusing vulnerable young girls he encountered on the streets of Eugene and Springfield. The case drew significant attention from the prosecution, which described Mann as "a predatory wolf in good Samaritan's clothing," emphasizing the deceptive facade he maintained while engaging in criminal behavior.

In August, Mann was arrested on multiple charges that included abuse against 11 girls aged between 14 and 18 years old. The initial charges against him totaled 35, some of which carried mandatory prison sentences under Measure 11, Oregon’s strict sentencing law for serious crimes. However, through a negotiated plea agreement, Mann was convicted on three counts of second-degree sexual abuse, two counts of furnishing alcohol to minors, and one count of delivering drugs to a minor. This plea deal spared him from facing potentially life-altering sentences that could have resulted from a trial on the more severe Measure 11 charges, including allegations of rape and sexual abuse.

Deputy Lane County District Attorney Mike Pugh provided insight into Mann’s interactions with the victims, revealing that many of these young girls were already in difficult circumstances. They often had run-ins with the law, struggled with drug addiction, or were estranged from their families. Mann would approach these girls offering rides, food, clothing, and emotional support, creating a deceptive image of kindness and concern. Many of the victims were so familiar with Mann that they would contact him directly for transportation, and it was reported that Mann frequently supplied them with marijuana and alcohol. The victims described Mann as being “very forward” in his attempts to solicit sexual favors, which added to the gravity of his misconduct.

Throughout the proceedings, Pugh contrasted Mann’s outward appearance of a helpful individual with his true predatory nature, stating, “He was a predator wolf in good Samaritan's clothing.” The defense attorney, Gary Deal, argued that prosecuting Mann would be challenging due to issues surrounding the credibility of the victims, citing their criminal records and ongoing drug use, which sometimes led to inconsistencies in their stories. Deal also pointed out Mann’s involvement in supporting youth sports and insisted that most of his actions were motivated by a desire to help the girls. He acknowledged that Mann had found himself in some compromising situations but maintained that his overall intentions were benign.

Ultimately, the court sentenced Mann to six years in prison, a decision that reflected the seriousness of his offenses while also considering the complexities and nuances of the case. The sentencing underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for exploiting vulnerable youth, especially in cases where deception and manipulation are involved, and highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the justice system to protect young people from predatory behavior in Springfield, Eugene, and beyond.