A high school principal in St. Helens, Oregon, is facing felony charges for allegedly failing to protect students from two teachers accused of sexual abuse, according to local news reports published Tuesday.
Wagner is charged with two counts of first-degree criminal abuse, two counts of first-degree official misconduct, and other misdemeanors. Katu Reported.
The charges stem from allegations involving choir teacher Eric Stearns, 46, and former teacher Mark Collins, 64, both of whom sexually assaulted students in early November. He was arrested on suspicion of abuse. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Parents allege that district leaders, including Wagner, failed in their duty to report concerns of abuse to authorities. St. Helens Acting Police Chief John Hogue told KATU that the district did not notify police or Children Services about complaints received from 2019 to 2023.
Sarah Young, a parent in the district, expressed relief at the charges, saying: I love their positive attitude. ”
Another parent, Jeremiah Harrington, said, “My son told me about the abuse that happened at his high school six years ago. I didn't believe him. , and I'm fighting for all the kids at our school. I'm so sorry, son.”
UPDATE: The Oregon Health Authority has launched an investigation into St. Helens Principal Dr. Katie Wagner for alleged neglect “for failing to report child safety concerns.”
School allows teacher to continue teaching while under investigation for sexual misconduct… https://t.co/6DxjDKU7eV pic.twitter.com/SBznXLNw0k
— TikTok Library (@libsoftiktok) November 21, 2024
The school district placed Wagner and the superintendent on administrative leave on Nov. 15. At the school board meeting, Chairman Ryan Scholl claimed that law enforcement recommended that Stearns not be removed from the classroom during the investigation. Chief Hogue disputed this, stating: Katuthat they were not notified of the abuse. (Related article: Former elementary school teacher sentenced to suspended sentence after being accused of sexually assaulting a 4th grade student)
“In fact, detectives found information that there were complaints against the school from 2019 to 2023, and we were not notified and DHS was not notified,” he said. said.
Community members want change. Former student Cheyenne Leight said: Students should not go to school in fear of being hurt by people whose parents trust them to be with them. ”
The school district called Wagner's indictment and arrest “extremely disturbing news for the school district and the community,” and said in a written statement to the Daily Caller, “This is a difficult day for St. Helens High School.”
“To thoroughly and fairly uncover what happened and why, we launched an independent, third-party investigation. Findings and recommendations will be shared with the community and final The report is expected to be released 45 to 60 days after the investigation begins. This timeline is subject to change based on what is learned through the investigation. The district is committed to taking corrective action. “There is,” the statement reads.
