Female Counselor Pleads Not Guilty to Sex Crimes

(Klamath Falls, Oregon) A 33-year-old youth counselor, Naomi Morton, was arraigned Friday before Judge Richard Rambo in Klamath County Circuit Court for alleged sexual abuse of a 17-year-old boy. Morton pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual misconduct, three counts of contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor and three counts of sex abuse.

Morton met the boy through a Lutheran Community Services program contracted by the Klamath Falls City Schools. Schools Superintendent Cecelia Amuchastegui stated that parents of students who had contact with Morton have been notified of her arrest.

The Oregon Department of Human Services has taken custody of Morton's two children and placed them with relatives. Morton will be allowed supervised visitation. Specifying that she have no contact with the victim, Judge Rambo released Morton from jail on her own recognizance. Her next court appearance is scheduled for February 7.


[Update 01/11/07]

Morton reversed herself, pleaded guilty and was sentenced.