ST. HELENS, Ore. — St. Helens detectives are investigating a middle school teacher for allegations of criminal conduct involving students, police said. The district has put the teacher on administrative leave.
On Wednesday, detectives received a report from the school district "regarding alleged criminal conduct" by a St. Helens Middle School teacher. Detectives have begun interviews and identifying possible victims. The teacher has not been identified, and it is unknown at this time what charges, if any, are being considered.
This investigation comes in the wake of an ongoing teacher sex abuse scandal at St. Helens High School that has roiled the school district and community following the arrest of two high school teachers who face multiple charges of sex abuse. Retired teacher Mark Collins and current teacher Eric Stearns were arrested following a months-long police investigation.
On Tuesday, students returned to St. Helens High School following a week of protests on campus.
"We are appalled and deeply saddened by the crisis our school community is experiencing after arrests were made for child sexual abuse at St. Helens High School. We were also just informed of an active investigation by St. Helens Police Department of one of our middle school teachers for alleged criminal conduct," the district said in a statement on Thursday.
"Our students rely on the adults in our schools to ensure a safe, welcoming school environment. Their well-being is our highest priority," it went on to say.
The Oregon Department of Human Services has opened an investigation into allegations of neglect against St. Helens High School Principal Dr. Katy Wagner.
St. Helens Superintendent Scot Stockwell and Wagner were placed on administrative leave, with St. Helens School District School Board Chair Ryan Scholl having resigned. The school district announced Thursday it will appoint a temporary acting superintendent. The meeting is scheduled for Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
The district asked families and students report to the St. Helens Police Department Non-Emergency line at 503-397-1521, the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 855-503-7233 or the SafeOregon Tip Line at 844-472-3367. The district added it has brought in multiple mental health resources and hired a third-party investigator to review their current policy, including mandatory reporting.
This is a breaking news story; check back for updates.
