State v. Kessler

In this criminal proceeding, defendant appeals kidnapping convictions stemming from his escape from the Rocky Butte Jail. The only issue we address is whether the trial court should have merged the convictions for sentencing purposes. We hold that it should have done so.

On July 25, 1982, six inmates, including defendant, escaped from Rocky Butte Jail. During the course of the escape, four lay ministers were brought to an area controlled by the escapees, made to disrobe and were then placed in a cell. Following that, defendant pointed a gun at two correctional officers and forced them to…