Happy Valley Pastor Facing Sex-crime Charges

By Rick Bella
Oregonian
June 23, 2014

http://www.oregonlive.com/happy-valley/index.ssf/2014/06/happy_valley_pastor_facing_sex.html

Michael George Sperou

The senior pastor of a Happy Valley church is facing sex-crime charges in Multnomah County.

Michael George "Mike" Sperou, 64, of Happy Valley, co-founder of the North Clackamas Bible Community, was arrested by Portland police Thursday. He was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on suspicion of three counts of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration.

Under Oregon law, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration is a Class A felony that falls under Measure 11 and is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of eight years, four months in prison.

After he was arraigned in Multnomah County Circuit Court, Sperou posted a $35,000 security deposit against bail of $350,000 and was released Saturday.

Sgt. Pete Simpson, Portland police spokesman, said reports on Sperou's arrest are not yet available and that hadn't heard any details in the case.

According to the church's website, the North Clackamas Bible Community was established in 1980. The church, which meets in several locations around Happy Valley, espouses a fundamentalist interpretation of Christian scripture. The church is involved in missions to teach Christian principles around the globe.

"Preparing teachers for the Millennial Age," is the church's statement of purpose.

Contact: rbella@oregonian.com