Salem Reporter provides follow-up reporting on local criminal cases. Read our coverage from June here. Chemeketa instructor pleads not guilty The original story: A psychology instructor at Chemeketa Community College was known to have a history of unsafe driving behavior around West Salem b efore his recent arrest. After causing a crash involving five vehicles, Thomas Ewing is facing criminal charges of second-degree assault, reckless endangering and reckless driving in Polk County Circuit Court. The latest: On Monday, July 13, Ewing pleaded not guilty to the two counts of assault, six counts of reckless endangering and one count of reckless driving, court records show. He was also released from the Polk County Jail this week after a conditional release agreement signed Wednesday. Plea in child abuse case The original story: In August 2025, a math teacher at Parrish Middle School was criminally charged for abusing and starving his two infant children. Reece Sorenson resigned from his teaching position nearly two weeks after his arrest, which happened after Salem Hospital staff found his children with bruises and signs of malnourishment. The latest: Sorenson pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment on Tuesday, July 14, and in exchange for his plea, prosecutors are dismissing a charge of unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of criminal mistreatment. His sentencing is scheduled to take place in September, court records show. More charges for man tied to firearms, drugs The original story: After initially arresting Michael Brasi for a domestic stalking situation, Salem Police detectives discovered dozens of firearms, various drugs and manufacturing equipment tied to him. He was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail on July 6, where he remains in custody, according to the jail roster. The latest: Brasi was indicted on Monday, July 13, on additional charges related to the initial domestic violence situation that led to his arrest. He now faces two counts of first-degree burglary, two counts of stalking, menacing, attempted assault of a public safety officer and attempted strangulation constituting domestic violence. Criminal charges related to the 78 firearms and fentanyl, cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms seized in connection to Brasi have not yet been filed in either federal or state court, records show. Contact reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected]. Make Salem Reporter your trusted source for accurate, independent local news – every day. Stay informed and connected to your community. Subscribe today. The post Updates on Chemeketa instructor, child abuse cases appeared first on Salem Reporter. ...read more read less