Major Dem Fundraiser Arrested On Charges Of Sex Abuse Of A Minor
Human Rights Campaign founder arrested after six-month investigation
November 20, 2014
A national “power player” for the Democratic party and the gay rights movement was arrested Wednesday on charges of sex abuse of a minor.
Terry Bean, a Portland-based fundraiser for Democratic causes, is being charged with
sex abuse and two counts of sodomy involving a 15-year-old boy. Bean’s attorney claims that his client is the victim of an “extortion ring” and expressed full confidence that his name would be cleared.
The Willamette Week reports that law enforcement sources say Bean, 66, will be charged with two counts of sodomy in the third degree (a felony) and sex abuse in the third degree (a misdemeanor). The arrest followed a six-month investigation concerning a concealed video camera over Bean’s bed that accuser Kiah Lawson says was used to illegally film him and at least half a dozen other men “in a state of nudity engaged in intimate acts with [Bean].”
As WW reported in June, Bean accused a former lover, Kiah Lawson, of attempting to extort him over the discovery of a hidden camera. In the spring, Bean sought to keep the allegations secret and tried to reach a $40,000 settlement with Lawson.
After WW began asking questions, Bean went to the police asking them to investigate his allegations. Bean also handed over to police what he said was evidence of additional illegal activity by Lawson and others.
Bean’s attorney, Kristen Winemiller, denied that the camera was used for illegal or improper purposes, claiming that he installed it because he’d been the victim of theft. Winemiller initially accused Lawson of attempting to extort Bean; however, the investigation eventually turned against Bean leading to his arrest this week.
In a written response to the arrest, Winemiller maintained that her client will be exonerated:
"Terry Bean is a highly respected community leader who has devoted his life to bettering our community. Over the course of several months in 2013‐2014 Terry was the victim of an extortion ring led by several men known to law enforcement. This current arrest is connected to the ongoing investigation of that case in which Mr. Bean has fully cooperated. No allegations against Terry Bean should be taken at face value. We look forward to the opportunity to clear his name."
Bean, a millionaire real estate developer, has been a major fundraiser for liberal political causes, particularly gay rights. He founded the leading gay rights organization, the
Human Rights Campaign, personally donating over $1 million to the cause.
He has also been instrumental to the Democratic Party. As the Willamette Week reports, in 2009 Obama called Bean a “great friend and supporter” and is hosted by Bean every time he visits Oregon:
No Oregonian has raised more money for President Barack Obama. At a 2009 Human Rights Campaign dinner, Obama called Bean a “great friend and supporter.” The president in 2012 hosted Bean on Air Force One, and when Obama visits Oregon, Bean has had the honor of greeting him as the president gets off his plane.
Bean will be arraigned later in Lane County, where the crimes allegedly occurred last year.
Major Dem Fundraiser Arrested On Charges Of Sex Abuse Of A Minor
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks