Identity of Detained Iranian Asylum Seeker Tied to Extensive Criminal Record

By Rebecca Wallis

McMinnville, OR – June 26th, 2025

A man identified in a recent report by KATU News only as “S.F.” is reportedly an Iranian asylum seeker detained in Oregon amid heightened scrutiny of Iranian nationals. Local sources in McMinnville say the individual has ties to a church in the area. An investigation by Yamhill County News has linked “S.F.” to Shahin Farokhrany, a McMinnville resident with a lengthy criminal record in Oregon. While court and business records list the last name as Farokhrany, social media accounts and community contacts identify him as Shahin Farokh. Additionally, a statement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement refers to a man with similar details under the name Shahin Farokhrani, a slight spelling variation that has not yet been officially clarified.

Criminal Background

Public records show that Shahin Farokhrany has been involved in numerous criminal cases across multiple Oregon counties including a case that was dismissed over a prosecutor’s comments as reported on OregonLive and again in the Portland Mercury. His legal history includes felony and misdemeanor convictions, multiple DUII offenses, and charges involving domestic violence and theft.

Criminal Convictions

• Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (2009) – Convicted in 2014 following appellate reversal and retrial. Washington County.

• Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (2015) – Convicted in Multnomah County. Sentenced to three years of probation and jail time; probation violations occurred.

• Harassment (2020) – Convicted on one count in a domestic violence-related case. Washington County.

• Driving While Suspended (2017) – Convicted in Clackamas County.

• Theft in the First Degree (2023 conviction) – Convicted of felony theft and ordered to pay more than $94,000 in restitution. Washington County.

Other Charges and Diversions

Farokhrany’s court history includes several additional charges that were dismissed or resolved through diversion:

• DUII (2006) – Completed a diversion program. Washington County.

• Delivery of Controlled Substance to a Minor (2009) – Dismissed.

• Possession of Cocaine (2009) – Dismissed.

• Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree (2009) – Dismissed.

• Attempt to Commit a Felony (2009) – One charge dismissed, one not guilty.

• Reckless Driving (2015) – No complaint filed.

• Assault IV and Harassment (2021) – Both dismissed. Washington County.

• Aggravated Theft in the First Degree (2021) – Dismissed as part of a plea deal tied to the theft conviction.

Summary of Criminal Dispositions

Business Affiliations

State records show that Farokhrany has been associated with at least thirteen Oregon business entities, including:

• Currin Design and Build

• Executive Design LLC

• O’Brien Build LLC

• Roya Kitchen & Bath LLC

• Rose Gold Kitchen and Bath

• Orca Marketing Group LLC

• Pearl Marketing LLC

Most of these businesses are now inactive. The most recent, Roya Kitchen & Bath LLC, filed articles of dissolution in May 2025. Farokhrany has been listed as a registered agent, managing member, or representative on numerous filings.

He also maintains a public professional profile under the name Shahin Farokh, where he describes himself as a design and construction business owner and faith-oriented community member.

Ongoing Detention

The man now believed to be Farokhrany was detained following recent U.S. military actions overseas. Federal officials have not officially confirmed the identity of the individual, and his immigration or asylum status remains unverified.

However, a recent post from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Seattle field office on X, published at 8:45 PM PDT on June 26, 2025, offers potential insight. The post states:

“Iranian national Shahin Farokhrani, 48, was arrested by @EROSeattle in public without incident. Farokhrani entered the U.S. under a tourist visa was ordered removed by an immigration judge in 2002. OR Criminal convictions include DUI, drug related offenses, theft, and sex abuse.”
— @EROSeattle

While the spelling of the last name (“Farokhrani” vs. “Farokhrany”) and the listed location (Washington state) differ slightly from records tied to the McMinnville resident, the details closely match Shahin Farokhrany’s criminal history and immigration timeline.

Photos circulating online and associated with Shahin Farokhrany, such as a past mugshot from OregonLive and his current professional profile on social media, bear a strong resemblance to the individual shown in the ICE arrest photo. However, Yamhill County News has not independently verified whether all images depict the same person, and no official confirmation has been issued connecting each identity.

Yamhill County News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as new information becomes available.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of @EROSeattle