Oregon man accused of sexually abusing several children – authorities search for more victims

Scott Bentley was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse of children. June 5, 2024 (courtesy of Washington County Sheriff’s Office).

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man has been arrested after being accused of sexually abusing multiple children. Officials said he lived in several Oregon communities and authorities are actively investigating to see if there are any other potential victims.

Jacob Bentley of Bay City was arrested Monday and booked into the Washington County Jail on more than a dozen charges related to child sexual abuse.

The arrest came after a months-long investigation into claims by multiple children that they were abused by the same person, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said. The Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest.

As the investigation progressed, two more children told investigators that Bentley abused them. The abuse is said to have occurred in Washington and Tillamook counties, with Bentley living in Hillsboro, Cornelius, Forest Grove and Bay City. Authorities said more charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.

So far, a total of four children have accused Bentley of abusing them when they were under the age of 10. He is charged with 12 counts of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of abuse of a child for sexually explicit conduct.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said anyone with information about the case, including possibly other victims, should contact the office.