CARE.COM Babysitter Arrested for Sexually Abusing Oregon Kids

PORTLAND, OREGON — According to news reports Monday by KPTV and KOIN in Portland, a twenty-seven year-old man who advertised his services as a babysitter on Care.com has been indicted on additional charges related to a third victim. In May of this year Benjamin Nelson was arrested on charges of first-degree sexual abuse, sodomy, and luring a minor. The new charges relate to child pornography and “deviate sexual intercourse” with a victim under twelve.

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Keith Fisher has filed a report recommending against Nelson’s participation in the county’s pre-trial release and supervision program. Fisher’s report notes that Nelson presents a “higher level of risk to the community if (he) is released” and that he used Care.com to find his victims.

While Fisher’s report states that Nelson admitted to the current charges and told police about further victims, Nelson has plead not-guilty.

Care.com has not commented beyond expressing support for the victim. According to the KPTV report, “[c]ourt documents state the site has a disclaimer that potential workers have passed a background check, but parents were responsible for hiring the caregiver.” It is unclear at this phase of the investigation what level of scrutiny Care.com’s background checks involve.

If you have any information about abuse happening in connection with Care.com or another child care service, we would like to speak with you on a confidential basis. We can be reached toll-free at 888-407-0224 or using our confidential online form.

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