Keizer man accused of abusing girl DHS put in his custody

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A Keizer man is being held without bail on accusations of sexually abusing a child put in his custody following involvement by Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare.

The Statesman Journal reports 37-year-old Eric Schrecengost was arrested Tuesday on charges of rape, unlawful sexual penetration and using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct.

Records say the Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigated after the girl reported being abused for years. Court records say the abuse occurred sometime between 2011 and 2019.

A Protective Action Plan says child welfare caseworkers placed the child in Schrecengost’s custody last year. In a motion requesting temporary custody, Schrecengost requested custody of the girl, saying she was in danger of being abused.

Human Services officials didn’t respond immediately to request for comment.

It wasn’t known if Schrecengost has a lawyer.