Disturbance in Salem Leads to Prostitution, Sexual Assault Charges

Left: Curtis Bunch Right: John Gentile Photo: Salem Police Department

(SALEM, Ore.) - A 48-year old Monmouth resident and a 38-year old Junction City resident were arrested early Saturday morning on multiple charges related to assault, prostitution and the sexual assault of a juvenile female.

The incident began at approximately 10:55 pm on Friday, October 23rd when Salem Police Officers responded to the Crosslands Motel located at 3535 Fisher Rd NE on a report of a disturbance involving a knife.

Officers arrived to find that 38-year old John Gentile of Junction City had been chasing 48-year old Curtis Bunch of Monmouth around with a large knife.

As officers continued with their investigation they found that Gentile had befriended a female teenage runaway from the Eugene area. He engaged in sexual relations with the female as well as took sexually explicit photos and videos of her and prostituted her via the internet. Bunch was a "customer" of Gentile and the victim and engaged in sexual relations with the juvenile female. He then began to prostitute her over the internet as well. The disturbance on October 23rd stemmed from a dispute between Bunch and Gentile over the continued control of the victim.

Salem Police Detectives then responded to the Junction City residence of Gentile where they served a search warrant and found evidence of child pornography.

John Gentile was taken into custody and booked at the Marion County Jail on charges of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, three counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and three counts of Possession of Child Pornography in the First Degree.

Curtis Bunch was taken into custody and booked at the Marion County Jail on charges of Prostitution, Compelling Prostitution and Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

The investigation is continuing and more charges and arrests are expected.

Human Trafficking is becoming more frequent throughout our communities. Women, juveniles and undocumented individuals are being victimized by human traffickers for forced labor as well as for sexual exploitation. Victims of human trafficking often feel as though they have no alternative but to obey those who take advantage of them. Anyone who has information about human trafficking is urged to contact your local law enforcement agency. Victims of human trafficking can also contact their local Women's Crisis Center for assistance with safety and shelter. The Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service can be reached at their 24-hour crisis line at 503-399-7722.

Source: Salem Police Department