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A joint Columbia County Sheriff's Office and Scappoose Police investigation into child rape and sexual abuse alleged to have occurred most recently at 2-1/2 years ago has resulted in the arrest of a 35-year-old Kelso man.
Erick W. Itza-Briceno is lodged in the Columbia County Jail this evening on 8 counts of Rape First Degree and two counts of Sexual Abuse.
Three victims, currently 23, 14 and 12 years of age have disclosed Itza-Briceno had groomed and sexually abused them when they were between the ages of 9 and 14 years old. The vicitm who is currently 23 years old alleged that the suspect abused her approximately three times a month between the ages of 11 and 14 when she lived in Scappoose. The two younger victims alleged the sexual abuse occurred in the St. Helens area, most recently 2-1/2 years ago.
The case first came to the Sheriff's Office's attention through a child abuse report through DHS. Information developed in the case showed that abuse occurred 2-1/2 years ago at a home on Fisher Lane in the St. Helens area. Subsequent investigation developed the other victim. All the victims know each other and have known the suspect for many years.
"Child sex abuse is so destructive to families," said Sheriff Jeff Dickerson. "Our investigators have to sort through a lot of sordid details to get to the facts in these cases. I'm so grateful for the dedication of our investigation team, which was able to work with the Amani Center and the Scappoose Police Department in developing this investigation and to bring charges in this case."