Police: 5 victims identified in elementary school volunteer abuse case; more sought

BREMERTON -- A volunteer elementary school assistant arrested last week on suspicion of child rape may have long perpetrated abuse against young children, Bremerton police said, as five additional victims have been identified since news of his arrest broke.

Stephen Jabs, 51, was arrested Thursday for allegedly assaulting a 9-year-old girl in March. He is being held in Kitsap County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail.

Jabs was a longtime volunteer at Crown Hill Elementary in Kitsap County.

Police said investigators are developing probable cause for more charges against Jabs and are investigating additional students Jabs had communication with.

Police have identified five total child victims, officials said, and believe even more victims will come forward.

Officers encouraged parents or guardians -- especially those of Crown Hill Elementary students who had contact with Jabs -- to have an "age appropriate" conversation with their children about sexual assault and if they had communication with Jabs.

Detectives will continue to investigate the case to make sure every possible victim has come forward, police said.

"As of now, investigators have identified 5 total child victims and believe there will be additional victims and potentially additional criminal charges," police said in a release.

Anyone with more information on Jabs should call Detective Aaron Baker at 360-337-5611 or 911.