GRESHAM -- A volunteer with the Salvation Army faces sex abuse charges after allegations surfaced that he had an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old girl.
Gene Olsen II, 23, has been accused of exchanging sexually-explicit text messages with the victim. Olsen was also suspected of having sexual contact with the girl inside the Salvation Army building in Gresham.
"We're shocked," said Major Don Gilger, a spokesperson for Salvation Army.
Gilger said the non-profit does background and reference checks on all of its employees and volunteers. He said Olsen was no exception.
"His came in clean in the initial check," said Gilger. "This is the first incident."
The allegations came to light after the victim's mother noticed the sexually-explicit text messages.
"In that regard there's a good ending to this because it could have escalated," said Sgt. Claudio Grandjean of the Gresham Police Dept.
Olsen was arrested at a hostel in Eugene. He is charged with online sexual corruption of a child, luring a minor, and sex abuse.
Authorities fear there could be additional victims. If you have any information about the case you are urged to call Gresham police.
