Police believe there could be additional victims, and they are hoping to hear from anyone who has infornation on the case.
(CLACKAMAS) - Clackamas County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 44-year old Eric Sylvester Johnson of Clackamas on charges of first-degree Sex Abuse I Tuesday, in connection with an alleged incident involving a 12-year-old girl.
Detective Jim Strovinkn with the Clackamas County Sheriff says they are now seeking more information from the public in connection with this investigation, and they are asking any possible, additional victims to come forward.
Strovink says a deputy was dispatched to the Town Center Heights Apartments at 11353 SE Stevens Road in Clackamas on August 8th, after a report of a sexual molestation.
The mother of the alleged victim told the deputy that Johnson had inappropriately touched her 12-year-old daughter in the apartment-complex swimming pool.
According to the 12-year-old victim, Johnson, a married Costco employee, also lives at the Town Center Heights Apartments. He is accused of grabbing the girl inappropriately from behind in 4 feet of water.
The girl's friend, also 12, told police that she witnessed part of the incident.
As a result of this report, Johnson was taken into custody and lodged in the Clackamas County Jail, cited and released on Sex Abuse III charges on Aug. 8th.
This case was referred to the Clackamas County District Attorney for prosecution, and deputies arrested Johnson for Sex Abuse I on Aug. 15th.
Police did not mention other witnesses in their release, and the reaction from some members of the public is likely to be shock, when they realize that a crime with a bail amount of $250,000 stems from an inappropriate grabbing incident in a pool.
Prosecutors say the charge of first-degree Sex Abuse was determined to be the most appropriate charge stemming from this initial investigation.
Readers should remember that charges of this nature can be devastating to a family, and at this point Johnson is only accused of a crime, he has not been convicted of anything.
Eric Sylvester Johnson was booked into Clackamas County Jail at 3:20 PM on Aug. 15th. The scheduled bail for first-degree Sex Abuse is $250,000.
The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is seeking witnesses and/or additional alleged victims in connection with this and possibly other cases involving Johnson.
Anyone with information on Eric Sylvester Johnson is encouraged to call Det. Shipley at the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office at 503-655-8218.
More Information Sought on Alleged Swimming Pool Sex Abuse CaseSalem-News.com