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	Sex-Abuse Suspect Never Alone with Kids, Pastor Says: Child Porn - the Vancouver Man Was Arrested in a Nationwide Internet Investigation By Holley Gilbert The Oregonian October 21, 2006 http://www.oregonlive.com/metronorth/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/metro_north_news/116139390318690.xml&coll=7 Vancouver - A Vancouver man charged with sex crimes against two Clark County children was supervised as a classroom aide at the Portland church he attended and was never left alone with children, the church pastor said Friday. Michael Scott Norris, 40, attended the Open Bible Church in Southeast Portland until about four years ago, a year before he moved from Portland to Vancouver, pastor Phil Newell said Friday. The church follows rigid practices to protect children, including doing criminal background checks on volunteers, having windows in classroom doors and never leaving volunteers alone with children, Newell said. "We run a very tight ship," he said. "We're very, very conscious of the possibility that these things happen. You do absolutely everything you can do to protect children." On Thursday, federal authorities announced that Norris, whom they called a nonordained minister, was arrested in August as part of a nationwide investigation that has netted 125 subscribers of a hard-core child pornography Web site. Newell said Norris had no specific training, expertise or authority in the church. In addition, none of the 300 church members has approached Newell with concerns about inappropriate behavior by Norris, who attended for about two years, the pastor said. "I've never had a parent come to me bringing that accusation, and I've been here a long time," Newell said. "I feel terrible for the children involved." A document filed in Clark County Superior Court said Norris "may have had sexual contact with several children who attend his church." The document also said that although the sexual abuse of the two children -- a girl and a boy, who are siblings -- usually took place at Norris' home, the last incident occurred at the girl's Vancouver home. Newell said about six Vancouver families attend his church. Norris worked as a laboratory technician at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital for the past year. Before that, Newell said, he worked part-time at Woodland Park Hospital and Glendoveer Golf Course. Jim Chianello, head golf professional at Glendoveer, said Norris was personable and a dependable employee. "He was a responsible guy, always showed up," Chianello said. "He always tried to do his best." Norris worked at the driving range for about five years, first picking up balls, then behind the counter once a week, Chianello said. Norris is charged with four counts of first-degree rape of a child; two counts of first-degree child molestation; two counts of second-degree child molestation; and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. All are state charges. He is being held on $900,000 bail.
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