Deputies Searching for SK Pastor Suspected of Sexual Abuse, Kitsap Sun, October 26, 2007

Deputies Searching for SK Pastor Suspected of Sexual Abuse

Kitsap Sun
October 26, 2007

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2007/oct/26/deputies-searching-for-sk-pastor-suspected-of/

The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office released the name Friday of a South Colby pastor suspected of illicit contact with girls who are or were members of his church.

Deputies on Friday served a search warrant at the home of Robbin Leeroy Harper, pastor of The Church in South Colby. Harper has not been charged with any crime.

But the sheriff's office said it has probable cause to arrest the 60-year-old for two counts of second-degree child rape, according to a press released issued Friday evening. Investigators believe there's a possibility that there are other victims, some of whom may now be adults.

Robbin Leeroy Harper

Detectives served the warrant around noon at Harper's home at 3525 Arvick Road SE, the same address as the church. Harper wasn't found.

He is believed to be traveling with his spouse in a red 2003 Hummer with Washington license 432-RLT. Detectives believe he is aware that he's being investigated.

The investigation began last weekend when one of his alleged victims, now an adult, called 911 to report a sex offense. Investigators determined that she probably wasn't the only victim, that victims might have been assaulted more than once, and that the sexual abuse has been going on since some of the girls were 12 or 13, according to the press release.

Harper is 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds, has brown eyes and wears glasses.

Anybody with information about his location is asked to call 911. Those who believe they were victims of sexual abuse by Harper or who have information about the investigation are urged to contact Detective Lori Blankenship at (360) 337-5615.