Oregon babysitters accused of raping young girls

[News_Editor]

Oregon babysitters accused of raping young girls

2011-09-29 22:29:13 GMT+7 (ICT)

HILLSBORO, OREGON (BNO NEWS) -- A couple from the U.S. state of Oregon has been arrested and charged in connection with the rapes of at least two young girls while they were babysitting them, police said on Thursday. Investigators fear there could be more victims.

William Paul Gaskin, 40, was arrested on April 29 for allegedly sexually abusing a three-year-old girl while he was babysitting her. Detectives were alerted after a roommate of the child's parents came home unexpectedly and found Gaskin abusing the child.

Months later, on August 18 while Gaskin was still in jail, a father and former roommate of Gaskin reported that his five-year-old daughter had been sexually assaulted by him. "Beaverton police learned of the Sheriff's office existing case on Mr. Gaskins and turned the new investigation over to our detectives," said Sgt. David Thompson, a spokesman for the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

According to detectives, the five-year-old girl and her father lived with Gaskin and his 23-year-old girlfriend who was identified as Desiree Chapman. "Gaskins and Chapman would babysit for the child when her father was at work," Thompson said. "The child disclosed that Mr. Gaskin would sexually abuse her and Ms. Chapman was present while it occurred."

As a result of the new allegations, Chapman was arrested on September 16 and charged with two counts of Rape in the First Degree, one count of Sodomy in the First Degree, two counts of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree, and one count of Using Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct.

Gaskin, in whose apartment was found evidence of the abuse of the five-year-old girl, is facing two counts of Rape in the First Degree, four counts of Sodomy in the First Degree, two counts of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree, and one count of Using Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct.

"Sheriff's detectives believe that Mr. Gaskin and Ms. Chapman have babysat many children in the past and that Ms. Chapman may have solicited babysitting services," Thompson said. "Detectives are concerned that there may be more victims who have not reported the abuse because they are so young. Detectives are asking that anyone whose children have been alone with Gaskin or Chapman call Detective John Shipley at 503-846-2596."

Under Jessica's Law, both Gaskin and Chapman face minimum 25 year sentences.

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