St. Helens Middle School teacher under investigation for 'offensive physical contact'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Following recent accusations of sex abuse involving two St Helens High School teachers, local authorities are now investigating “criminal conduct” involving a middle school teacher in the area.

Police received a report on Wednesday that a St. Helens Middle School teacher had been engaging in alleged "offensive physical contact" with students, police confirmed to KOIN 6 News on Thursday. Details of the crime were not immediately released.

“St. Helens detectives immediately began conducting interviews and identifying possible victims,” officials said. The investigation remains ongoing.

Last week, news broke that two teachers — one current and one former — had been arrested due to sexual abuse allegations involving students at St. Helens High School.

In the wake of the news, the school closed for several days, the board chair resigned, Superintendent Scot Stockwell was placed on leave and principal Katy Wagner was put on administrative leave.

The St. Helens School District issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:

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. That teacher has been placed on administrative leave and we are cooperating with the St. Helens Police Department. Because this is an active investigation, we cannot comment further on this investigation at this time and must respect due process and privacy laws. 

Families once again gathered at The Village Inn to watch the latest school board meeting on Thursday. Parents told KOIN 6 News they were shocked by the recent update, but also not surprised.

"To hear this is, like, it's just like another slap in the face, considering the schools reopened. So that's how I feel about that,” Amber Gilbreath said. “I think we're all very much like, ‘How can this happen in our community or anywhere, and why did it happen?’"

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.