Oregon Man Changes His Plea to Guilty Mid-Hearing and Gets More Than Six Years in Prison

By Lucille McNamara On Dec 10, 2025 Last updated Dec 10, 2025

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — Forty-year-old Christopher Michael Jenkins, who, without coercion, changed his plea to guilty halfway through his hearing, was sentenced to 76 months in an Oregon Department of Corrections prison.

Jenkins appeared before Judge Jeremy Markiewicz in the Jackson County Circuit Court on December 4.

Tidings Insight

Changing a plea to guilty mid-hearing usually means the defendant accepts responsibility and avoids a trial. The court can then move directly to sentencing based on the admitted facts and criminal history.

Sentencing Jenkins to 76 months behind bars, Judge Markiewicz noted the aggravated nature of the crimes, as well as the fact that Jenkins had tried to deflect blame.

Tidings Timeline

2025: Burglary case investigated by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Dec 4, 2025: Jenkins appears before Judge Jeremy Markiewicz.
Dec 4, 2025: Jenkins changes plea to guilty during the hearing.
Dec 4, 2025: Sentenced to 76 months in ODOC custody; co-defendant case still pending.

Jenkins was convicted of first-degree burglary, first-degree aggravated theft, first-degree theft, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree theft, and the unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Tidings Context

First-degree burglary, aggravated theft, and first-degree criminal mischief are serious Oregon property felonies. When combined, they can support multi-year prison sentences, especially if the court finds aggravating factors.

The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office said no further information about the burglary can be released at this stage because a co-defendant related to the incident has yet to appear in court.

The case was investigated by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the prosecution was handled by Deputy District Attorney Wade Hilsher.

Jackson County Southern Oregon