0
0
A Portland man arrested in April during a child predator sting is facing new charges after a person came forward alleging abuse, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday, June 6.
Sean Craig Baba, 29, previously worked as director of music ministry at St. Pius X Catholic Church and School in Cedar Mill. However, authorities say the person who came forward with new allegations against Baba did not know him through his work for St. Pius X.
Instead, the Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday, Baba connected with the child via an online dating application and sexually abused the child over a period of several years.
Baba was already facing charges of online sexual corruption of a child in the first degree and luring a minor — both felonies.
He was arrested June 5 after a Washington County grand jury indicted him on four counts of second-degree sexual abuse and three counts of luring a minor.
Baba no longer works at St. Pius X.
Douglas Markwell, communications director for the Archdiocese of Portland, told Pamplin Media Group in April that the archdiocese was “shocked and saddened” to hear of his arrest as part of the earlier sting operation.
Markwell also said Baba had been terminated and ordered not to come back onto school or church property.
“This predatory behavior is a crime, a sin, and a clear violation of our employment policies, the teachings of the Catholic Church, and our mission as Christians,” Markwell said in a statement. “The Archdiocese of Portland requires all clergy, employees, and volunteers to complete thorough background checks and rigorous child abuse prevention training. … We take serious and immediate action on all reports of abuse or red-flag behavior regarding minors.”
Baba is currently being held at the Washington County Jail, according to the county website.
The Sheriff’s Office says Baba lived in California and attended college there before moving to the Portland area. Detectives are investigating his history in California as well.
Anyone with information about any other potential victims of Baba is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 503-846-2700.
