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Local Counselor Arrested For Sex Abuse Allegations

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	City of Tigard 13125 SW Hall Blvd. Tigard, Oregon 97223	Press Release July 25, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact:	Jim Wolf, Public Information Officer Tigard Police Department Phone: 503-718-2561 Pager: 503-795-2391 Email: jim@tigard-or.gov

Local Counselor Arrested For Sex Abuse Allegations
Tigard Police Detectives arrested 55 year old Ronald W Leber of Lake Oswego on charges of allegedly engaging a client in inappropriate physical contact. The unwanted contact occurred when the victim visited Leber's office for a counseling session. The victim, a 38 year old woman had later disclosed the incident to a different counselor who in turn notified the police.

Leber had previously operated a counseling center named "Renewed Minds FCTC." According to their website, the business operates as a non-profit offering free counseling services.

The office operated out of a small business complex located at 11501 SW Pacific Highway in Tigard. The business was advertised as a source for a broad array of counseling including trauma, depression, anger and other special needs.

Information obtained from both the alleged victim and others close to the investigation, stated that Leber appeared to befriend a group of adult men and women who had connections to an area organization that provides mental health services in Tigard and surrounding areas. Police speculate Leber may have used the opportunity to network with that group and offer gratis services to them including counseling. Leber also hosted a barbeque and brought in professionals such as hair stylists to offer haircuts as well to the group. This was all conducted at the rental property that primarily housed clients who at some point sought out mental health services. The victim involved in the current investigation was introduced to Leber during one of these events.

On Thursday, July 19th, Leber was taken into custody and lodged at the Washington County Jail without incident. He was charged with Sex Abuse III.

Based on the suspect's potential for contacting large groups of people, some of which may be of more vulnerable status, Tigard Police is urging anyone with information regarding Leber to contact Det. Dave Hockin at 503-718-2553.