An 18-year-old Oregon man has been charged with various sex crimes. These felony charges are extremely serious and police are adding as many charges as possible. According to police, the man engaged in sexual activity with while attending a high school in Milwaukie. Police say the teenager was a student at the school from September to December 2012. During that time, police claim that he had sexual contact with at least four students that were too young to consent under Oregon law. Police allege that force may have been used in some of the situations.
As a result the teenager has been charged with sexual abuse, third-degree sodomy and third-degree rape. His bail has been set at $250,000 and his trial is set to start Jan. 8.
Despite already having brought felony charges, the police are continuing their investigation into the man. They have asked members of the community to come forward if they have any information about the man or his conduct. Furthermore, a letter has been sent to students of the high school asking for any additional victims to come forward.
An ongoing criminal investigation could result in additional criminal charges for this teenager if more people were to come forward. The more charges he faces, the great penalties -- including prison time, probation and registration on the sex offender registry -- the man could be subject to.
During this investigation and the subsequent criminal proceedings, those facing felony charges for sex crimes need to be particularly careful that their constitutional rights are not violated. Sex crimes are often high scrutinized in the public and with prosecutors, and aggressive prosecution is commonplace. However, these individuals are still granted protections that help to prove their innocence.
Source: The Oregonian, "Former Milwaukie High School student charged with rape, sexual assaults involving students," Rick Bella, Nov. 15, 2013
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