Man faces prison, $130K restitution for series of downtown Portland burglaries

Published 9:35 am Friday, December 6, 2024

Gregory Whitson was sentenced to just more than four years of prison time, and to pay more than $130,000 restitution, on Thursday, Dec. 5, for a series of burglaries in downtown Portland dating to 2022. 

This 100-month prison sentence resolves five criminal cases against 43-year-old Whitson. 

Between 2022 and 2024, he burglarized, stole and destroyed property of numerous individuals and businesses throughout the city. The crimes were described as “sophisticated and prolific.” 

His crimes include: 

• Breaking into the Dossier Hotel, after scouting the building, by forcing open the secured garage and breaking the electronic scan pad. Once inside, Whitson forced open a key box to take a janitorial master key and then stole from numerous offices inside the building. 
• Forcing entry into an apartment building at Southwest College Street by prying open the call box and manipulating the front door. 
• Stealing a car accident victim’s cell phone while he was attempting to push his car out of the street. Whitson then proceeded to use the phone to make multiple purchases.

By the time he was held in custody pending trials, Whitson was charged with 74 counts, with more than 48 of them involved either distinct episodes or victims. 

Whitson was transferred into the Oregon Department of Correction where he will remain for the duration of his sentence.