Man is accused of sexually abusing homeless women in Washington County

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. (KPTV) – A 68-year-old man has been arrested and accused of sexually assaulting two homeless women, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Ronald Burchett is charged with first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and first-degree sexual abuse.

The investigation began in June when the sheriff's office received a report of an allegation of sexual assault against Burchett. Then in October, another person came forward and reported that they had been sexually abused by Burchett.

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In both cases, the sheriff's office said, Burchett met the victims when they were homeless and offered to help them.

A grand jury indicted Burchett on November 7. He was arrested the following day and booked into the Washington County Jail.

The sheriff's office says investigators believe there are other women who have been victims of Burchett and believe he specifically targeted women who did not have stable housing.

Anyone with information about Burchett should call the sheriff's office at 503-846-2500 and quote case number 50-24-14144.

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