Mulu’s Story

Mulugeta Clarke was born in Ethiopia. He was adopted a young age and sent to live in Oregon with his two sisters. From a young age, he struggled to learn the language. His teachers often struggled to bridge the gap. In high school, he began using drugs. Though he worked a variety of entry-level service jobs, he struggled with abuse. After losing his job, he turned to petty theft to support his addictions.

While living in Portland, he forcibly stole an iPad while waiting at a bus stop. Because he implored the victim to move several feet to an area outside of the street light, he was convicted on charges of kidnapping. Measure 11 dictates that kidnapping in the 1st degree holds a minimum sentence of 7 years and 6 months.