A Banks man has been arrested on allegations that he sexually abused minors and supplied them with alcohol and marijuana.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Michael Wormington, 47, of Banks, was arrested after a monthslong investigation culminated in his arrest on April 8.
According to an April 15 news release from the sheriff’s office, detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit launched an investigation into Wormington after allegations of sexual abuse and other “concerning disclosures” were made by juvenile victims.
The sheriff’s office said detectives learned the underage victims had been sexually abused for several years, but had not reported the abuse until December 2024.
“The juvenile victims also reported Wormington gave them alcohol and marijuana during interactions,” the sheriff’s office said.
The case was presented to a Washington County Grand Jury on April 3. Wormington was indicted on one count of sexual abuse in the first degree, two counts of sexual abuse in the third degree, and two counts of unlawful delivery of marijuana.
A warrant was issued for his arrest, and Wormington was taken into custody on April 8 and lodged in the Washington County Jail
The sheriff’s office said deputies are concerned there are more victims, and urged victims or anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 503-846-2500 and reference case number 50-24-18347.
Wormington’s arrest marks at least the third arrest of a Banks-area resident on sexual abuse allegations this year, following the two arrests of a Banks High School teacher and a rural Banks resident.
Chas Hundley is the editor of the Banks Post and sister news publications the Gales Creek Journal and the Salmonberry Magazine. He grew up in Gales Creek and has a cat.
