Around the state

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Hidden camera — Police have obtained an arrest warrant for an Oregon priest after a 15-year-old parishioner discovered a hidden camera in a church bathroom, but authorities believe the priest may have left the country. The warrant, issued Tuesday by Washington County Circuit Court, seeks the arrest of Father Ysrael Bien of St. Francis Catholic Church in Sherwood for invasion of privacy, tampering with evidence and initiating a false police report. Sherwood police said they tried to find Bien, but another priest told them he had left the country. The Portland Archbishop Alexander Sample said in a statement Tuesday that church officials learned only after Bien had left that he had gone to the Philippines, where he has family. The camera, hidden in a wall socket, was discovered by a 15-year-old boy in late April. Police said records showed Bien had ordered the device and had it shipped to his residence.

Newberg turmoil — Newberg’s city manager says she will resign amid allegations that she put the police chief on leave to cover up a relationship with an officer. The Newberg City Council approved a $93,000 severance agreement Monday night, which includes $35,000 in exchange for Jacque Betz’s agreement not to sue the city. Officials say they expect Betz to sign the agreement in a matter of days. Newberg-Dundee Police Chief Brian Casey was reinstated by Newberg’s city council on July 24 after being on leave for nine days. A report compiled by a subordinate of Casey’s quoted police officers who said Betz was having a sexual relationship with Officer Jeremy Fair. The report said Casey was targeted in order to keep the relationship a secret.

State to get $2.2M — Oregon will get $2.2 million from drugmaker Amgen following a multistate investigation into the company’s marketing of two drugs. Oregon and Illinois led the investigation on behalf of 48 states and the District of Columbia. The states allege Amgen marketed Aranesp, an anemia drug, and Enbrel, used to treat plaque psoriasis, for purposes not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Under a settlement announced Tuesday, Amgen will pay $71 million. Oregon’s share will go to an account that funds investigations into unlawful business practices.

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