SUNRIVER, Ore. — A nationwide felony arrest warrant has been issued for Sarah Marie Session, a 33-year-old woman from south Deschutes County, after she was indicted on 19 felony counts, including attempted murder, in connection with a disturbing child abuse case. The charges stem from alleged abuse involving a child under the age of 10 between November 2023 and February 2024.
The indictment, filed on Wednesday, includes accusations of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, third-degree assault, and criminal mistreatment. Session also faces two counts of coercion in connection to the alleged abuse. According to court documents, the abuse reportedly included forcing the child to ingest their own vomit, hitting the child on the head and leg with a window stopper, and withholding necessary food.
The indictment further alleges that Session violated her legal duty to care for the child, while also highlighting her specialized education and training in child care, which she reportedly disregarded in a manner that caused significant harm beyond what is typical for such offenses. Additionally, aggravating factors cited in the indictment include deliberate cruelty and a lack of remorse.
Session’s parents, Gary Hardenburg, 65, and Paula Hardenburg, 60, are also implicated in the case. Gary Hardenburg faces three felony counts, including first- and second-degree criminal mistreatment and tampering with physical evidence. Paula Hardenburg is charged with six counts of assault and criminal mistreatment. All three individuals are reportedly evading law enforcement.
The case has drawn widespread attention, with Deschutes County Sheriff’s Sergeant Jason Wall noting that detectives’ extensive investigation led to the grand jury indictment. He added that authorities are actively seeking the suspects, who are believed to be avoiding contact with law enforcement.
This indictment follows an earlier case involving Session, which was dismissed in April 2024. At the time, Session faced nine lesser charges, including criminal mistreatment and assault. The case was dismissed after the state indicated it was not ready to proceed to a grand jury. However, a motion was filed to refile charges at a future date.
The current charges mark a significant escalation in the case, with the severity of the allegations prompting a nationwide search for the suspects. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Session and her parents to come forward.
As the investigation continues, the community remains shaken by the gravity of the allegations, with many expressing shock and outrage over the extent of the abuse and the apparent disregard for the child’s well-being by those entrusted with their care.
