A middle school math teacher from Salem, Oregon, has been arrested for allegedly abusing and starving his six-week-old twins.
Reese Sorenson, 28, a teacher at Parrish Middle School and a captain in the US Army Reserve, was taken into custody on August 13.
The infants were discovered to be suffering from severe malnutrition and injuries.
The baby girl was hospitalized due to swallowing difficulties, and Sorenson reportedly confessed to investigators that he had stuffed her mouth with rags to silence her cries.
A medical examination revealed bruising and bleeding under her tongue.
The baby boy also had noticeable bruises around his eyes and multiple rib fractures, according to reports.
It’s alleged that Sorenson instructed investigators on how he would use his forearm to prevent the boy from pushing against his stomach to induce crying.
Both children exhibited signs of extreme hunger when approached by hospital staff.
Hospital personnel reported that the twins were “greedy and hungry” when finally fed.
Reports state that Sorenson’s wife corroborated the allegations.
After the incident, he took administrative leave from the Salem-Keizer School District on August 18.
Sorenson is facing five counts of first-degree criminal abuse and a single count related to weapon use, as noted in court documents.
He was released from jail on August 14 and is under a no-contact order with his children.
In light of the charges, Sorenson claims he is committed to making positive changes, asserting, “I knew what I did and completely regretted it before the consequences fell on me.”
He expressed intentions to improve through counseling and anger management.
His teaching license is set to expire on August 31, according to reports.
According to his LinkedIn, Sorenson leads a platoon in the US Army Reserve.
