A principal of a high school in Oregon has been arrested and charged with a felony after she allegedly failed to protect students from two teachers accused of grooming kids, authorities said.
St. Helens High School Katy Wagner was charged with multiple counts of felony first-degree criminal mistreatment and first- and second-degree official misconduct and misdemeanors for letting two "pedophile" teachers groom and sexually abuse teenage girls.
Wagner was arrested shortly after choir teacher Eric Stearns, 46, and recently retired teacher Mark Collins, 64, were also arrested for sex crimes that spanned nearly 10 years, according to NBC 16.
How Were the Sex Crimes Uncovered?
The investigation into sex crimes at St. Helens began in September when 36-year-old Doug Weaver, a former student at the high school, posted on TikTok videos where he accused school officials of protecting "a collection" of male teachers who preyed on students in the '00s.
Current students commented on his videos and said the inappropriate behavior was still going on. Some also shared their own stories, accusing Collins and Stearns of making lewd comments and inappropriately touching them.
In one case, a 14-year-old student said Stearns often hounded her in the classrooms during lunch, kissing her on the head and hugging her. That child's mother raised concerns about Stearns' behavior but said Wagner refused to intervene, per the New York Post.
Additionally, victims who spoke up were ignored or punished by Wagner and other school officials at a school board meeting held after Collins and Stearns were arrested.
Furthermore, Wagner was accused of failing to report the inappropriate behavior to law enforcement but also allowing Stearns to stay in the classroom even after police launched their investigation into the allegations.
What Happens Now?
Wagner is currently in jail with a bail set for $55,000. She will be investigated by the Oregon Department of Human Services for failing to report safety issues.
Stearns is facing sexual abuse charges against six minors between 2015 and 2024. Collins, on the other hand, is facing charges of abusing three female students between 2017 and 2023.
Superintendent Scot Stockwell has been placed on administrative leave and may also be investigated by Human Services for failing to report the students' complaints to law enforcement, according to the Oregon Public Broadcasting.
