State v. McCrorey

Defendant appeals a conviction, following a bench trial, for initiating a false report in violation of ORS 162.375. She argues that the trial court erred by denying her motion for a judgment of acquittal. We conclude that the trial court erroneously interpreted the statute and that the evidence presented by the state was insufficient to support defendant’s conviction. Accordingly, we reverse.

The material facts are undisputed. Defendant’s daughter, Crystal Engle, was driving without a license when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver. The next day, Officer Kurfess was dispatched to the home…