Two former teachers at St. Helens High School in Oregon were arrested for sexually abusing underage girls. Eric Stearns and Mark Collins now face charges for their nearly ten-year abuse spree against students. Shockingly, school officials had received complaints as early as 2019 but failed to report the allegations, allowing Stearns to continue teaching until his arrest. The situation came to light after a former student posted a TikTok video exposing the school’s protection of predatory teachers, prompting a police investigation. Stearns faces charges related to abuses from 2015 to 2024, while Collins is accused of abuse between 2017 and 2023.
This is not the first time such incidents have occurred in St. Helens High School, as another teacher pleaded guilty to similar charges in 2019. Outraged parents and students shared their harrowing experiences at a school board meeting, accusing school officials of turning a blind eye to inappropriate behavior for years. Following the arrests, the district descended into chaos, leading to protests, walkouts, and calls for resignations. Principal Katy Wagner and Superintendent Scot Stockwell were placed on paid leave, and the school board chairman is also set to resign.
The recent arrests have revealed a troubling history of predatory behavior in the school, dating back to the early 2000s. Former students have spoken out about multiple male teachers engaging in inappropriate conduct, with some even alleging cover-ups by district officials. The community is demanding accountability and justice for the victims as they navigate the aftermath of these shocking revelations.
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