Oregon High School Track Coach Arrested on Sex Abuse Charges

Investigators are concerned there may possibly have been other victims.

43-year-old Melissa Bowerman. Photo Courtesy: Jefferson, Oregon County Jail

(MADRAS, Ore. ) - The head track and field coach at Madras High School was arrested Monday by Oregon State Police related to an investigation into an alleged unlawful relationship with a 17-year-old male member of the high school track team.

Oregon State Police is continuing the investigation and requesting contact from anyone with information or who may have been a victim related to this investigation.

Troopers and detectives arrested 43-year-old Melissa Bowerman at her residence in Fossil, Oregon.

Bowerman was transported by OSP to the Jefferson County Jail in Madras and lodged on the following charges: Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (class C felony); Luring a Minor (class C felony); Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree (class C felony); Contributing to the Sexual Delinquency of a Minor (class A misdemeanor)

Earlier this month, OSP received a tip that Bowerman, who has been coaching at Madras High School for two years, was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a juvenile male.

Subsequent investigation, in cooperation with the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office, identified the juvenile male and developed evidence that led to her arrest related to alleged unlawful conduct since May 2014.

OSP investigators are concerned there may possibly have been other victims.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888. Tips will be forwarded to the lead investigator for follow up.

Source: Oregon State Police