Jackson County, Ore. — Jesse Rex Orndoff, a former teacher at Rogue River Junior/Senior High School, entered a not guilty plea Tuesday during his arraignment in Jackson County Circuit Court. Orndoff is facing ten felony charges, including second-degree sexual abuse, third-degree rape, and third-degree sodomy, stemming from alleged incidents that occurred between 2013 and 2015 when the victim was a student at the school.
The charges arose after a woman came forward on February 13, claiming she had been sexually abused by Orndoff, who was her teacher and coach at the time. According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the alleged abuse occurred when the victim was between the ages of 15 and 17.
Orndoff, who was arrested on February 14, no longer works at Rogue River Junior/Senior High School. Authorities noted that he had most recently been employed at Rogue Christian Academy in Grants Pass, where he led the math and science departments in the upper school.
During the court appearance, Orndoff’s request for a court-appointed attorney was denied. Court documents revealed that Orndoff has assets including a 1976 Jeep CJ5 valued at $3,000, a collection of guns worth $2,000, and a motorcycle valued at $2,000.
The case remains under investigation, and Orndoff’s bail has been set at $500,000. As the legal process unfolds, NewsWatch 12 will continue to provide live updates from the courthouse throughout the day.
This is a developing story. Further details are expected as more information becomes available.