Arrest warrant issued in Oregon church hidden camera case

Washington Times
August 18, 2015

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/aug/18/arrest-warrant-issued-in-oregon-church-hidden-came/

SHERWOOD, Ore. (AP) - Police have obtained an arrest warrant for an Oregon priest after a 15-year-old parishioner discovered a hidden camera in a church bathroom, but authorities believe the priest may have left the country.

The warrant, issued Tuesday by Washington County Circuit Court, seeks the arrest of Father Ysrael Bien of St. Francis Catholic Church in Sherwood for invasion of privacy, tampering with evidence and initiating a false police report.

Sherwood police said they tried to find Bien, but another priest told them he had left the country. The Oregonian reported (http://is.gd/alqVyQ ) hat Portland Archbishop Alexander Sample said in a statement Tuesday that church officials learned only after Bien had left that he had gone to the Philippines, where he has family.

The camera, hidden in a wall socket, was discovered by a 15-year-old boy in late April. Police said records showed Bien had ordered the device and had it shipped to his residence.