EUGENE, OR — Elisha Young, the former business manager of Eugene Weekly, pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from the local newspaper.
Under a new plea agreement, Young is set to serve three years in prison followed by two years of supervised release.
Young was initially arrested in May 2025 after the Eugene Weekly accused her of stealing at least $100,000, leaving the paper in financial turmoil. The theft forced the newspaper to pause printing for several issues in late 2023 and early 2024, though it later resumed operations thanks to community donations.
Originally, Young had pleaded not guilty to two counts of theft and three counts of aggravated theft. In Lane County Circuit Court on Tuesday, she admitted guilt on all five counts. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 27, 2026.
Eugene Weekly editor Camilla Mortensen attended the hearing and reflected on the personal impact of the crime.
“I thought I knew her, but clearly I didn’t,” Mortensen said. “We socialized, shared coffee, and all the while, she was taking money from the paper.”
Mortensen expressed relief that the case would not require a full jury trial. “This has been incredibly stressful for the staff and readers,” she said. “We’re hopeful for restitution and that this closure will help our community heal.”
Young declined to comment following the hearing, though a companion was seen comforting her in the courtroom.
The Lane County Circuit Court will finalize sentencing later this spring, determining restitution and the full scope of penalties for the embezzlement.
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