Serial Burglar Portland

A convicted Portland serial burglar is on the loose again. Melvin Tillman, 64, in 2019 was sentenced to six years in prison for 10 burglaries he committed over eight months in Portland. Before his sentencing for these 10 burglaries, Tillman had 43 other felony convictions, 33 of them being 2nd-degree burglary. He was also ordered to pay $4,745 in restitution to five of the businesses. Tillman is now on the loose and accused of more crimes. This is happening after his prison sentence was commuted by Governor Kate Brown. 

Governor Brown’s office stated, “due to the spread of COVID-19 in jails and prisons across the U.S., Brown directed the Department of Corrections to consider commutations for adults in custody who are either “particularly vulnerable to COVID-19” or those who will be released in a few months.” Tillman was granted release by Governor Brown in June 2021. 

According to the Governor’s Office, the Multnomah District Attorney’s Office was informed when Tillman was being considered for commutation and had the opportunity to express concern about his possible release. “Our office is still collecting information and is doing due diligence on Tillman’s latest indictment. The information is presented to the Governor, in which case the Governor decides whether to revoke his commutation. Probably, “Governor Brown’s office said.

In 2019, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office said Melvin Tillman pleaded guilty and admitted to the break-ins. Investigators said Tillman would kick in doors or smash out windows to get in overnight or early in the morning. He stole or attempted to steal money from the cash registers. Tillman’s criminal record stretches back to 1987 and includes nearly 40 felonies.