In March 2021, Washington County Sheriff’s Office detectives opened an investigation into 58-year-old Henry Stephen “Steve” Bauer after receiving a report from a woman that Bauer sexually abused her when she was a child.
On May 27, 2021, a grand jury indicted Bauer on four counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.
On June 2, 2021, detectives with the sheriff’s office Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) arrested Bauer at his home. He was lodged at the Washington County Jail.
During their investigation, detectives learned that Bauer has a lengthy history of volunteering with various organizations where he had access to children. Bauer’s concerning behavior with children dates back to the late 1970s. He was removed as a Boy Scout leader in 1993 amid allegations of abuse to a young boy. Mr. Bauer also has ties to the Rockaway Beach community, as well.
Detectives strongly believe that Mr. Bauer has other victims that have not made reports to law enforcement. Bauer has known connections to the following organizations:
• Boy Scouts of America Troops 1 and 150 (1970s-1993)
• Alpenrose Dairyville
• Neah-Kah-Nie High School (2009-2012)
• Portland Revels (2013-2021)
• Rockaway Beach Police Department (volunteer until 2017)
• Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA)
Detectives would like to hear from anyone with information about Bauer, regardless of the length of time it has been. Community members can contact Washington County Sheriff’s Office by calling (503) 846-2700.