Two teachers from St. Helens High School in Oregon are facing criminal charges for sexually abusing students. Eric Stearns, 46 years old, and Mark Collins, 64 years old.
Stearns is facing:
- seven counts of second-degree sexual abuse
- and one count of third-degree sexual abuse.
Collins is facing:
- two counts of second-degree sexual abuse
- one count of second-degree attempted sexual abuse.
It is believed there are multiple victims, many of which have not come forward yet.
How Can A Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice For The Trauma They May Have Experienced?
A civil lawsuit serves as a crucial avenue for victims seeking justice and redress from the trauma of sexual abuse, especially when organizations are implicated. By initiating legal action, survivors can hold both individual perpetrators and the institutions that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse accountable. Civil suits allow victims to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm they have endured. Thus helping to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical and therapeutic expenses.
Additionally, these lawsuits contribute to raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual abuse. Legal proceedings also offer survivors a platform to share their experiences, thereby challenging the culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse and empowering others to come forward.
More Charges for St. Helens High School in Oregon
St. Helens High School in Oregon has become the epicenter of a significant child abuse scandal, raising critical concerns about the safety and well-being of its students. The recent arrests of choir teacher Eric Stearns and retired math teacher Mark Collins on charges of sexually abusing students have not only shocked the community but also unveiled potential systemic failures within the school district’s administration.
Allegations and Arrests at St. Helens High School
Eric Stearns, a 46-year-old choir teacher, is facing multiple charges of sexual abuse involving six students between 2015 and early 2024. Similarly, Mark Collins, a 64-year-old retired math teacher, is facing charges of sexually abusing three students between 2017 and 2023. Both educators have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Administrative Response
Principal Dr. Katy Wagner and Superintendent Scot Stockwell are facing allegations that they failed to take appropriate action. This perceived negligence led to their placement on administrative leave and the resignation of School Board Chair Ryan Scholl.
Parents and students have expressed outrage and lost trust in the district’s ability to safeguard its students. Protests erupted, with demonstrators demanding accountability and systemic changes to prevent future incidents.
Legal and Investigative Developments
The St. Helens Police Department is thoroughly investigating the district’s handling of the allegations. Thus examining whether there was a failure to report the abuse as mandated by state law. Acting Police Chief Joseph Hogue stated that multiple historical reports of abuse were made to the high school administration from 2019 to 2023, which were not forwarded to law enforcement or the Department of Human Services.
Can I File A Lawsuit Against The School?
Oregon law provides survivors of child sexual abuse with a more extended period to initiate civil lawsuits against their abusers. Specifically, an action shall be commenced before the survivor reaches 40. Alternatively, suppose the survivor discovers the causal connection between the abuse and their injury later in life. In that case, they have up to five years from the date of that discovery to file a claim, whichever period is longer.
Key Provisions of the Law
- Definition of Child Abuse: “Child abuse” encompasses intentional conduct by an adult resulting in physical or mental injury to a child, rape, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation.
- Discovery Rule: The law recognizes that many survivors may not immediately connect their injuries or trauma to the abuse they endured. Therefore, it allows for the filing of a lawsuit within five years from the date the survivor discovers or reasonably should have discovered, the causal connection between the abuse and the injury.
Call today for a free and confidential consultation at 1-(866) 311-8640.
St. Helens School District Faces New Challenges
The St. Helens School District is under intense scrutiny following the arrests of a middle school teacher on multiple counts of sexual abuse. As the district grapples with the fallout, the school board is considering placing Superintendent Scot Stockwell on paid administrative leave. This latest development raises questions about the district’s leadership and accountability in addressing and preventing abuse.
A Systemic Breakdown in Safeguarding Students?
The superintendent’s potential leave comes just days after the arrest of two teachers, prompting concerns about whether the district’s administration failed to identify or act on warning signs. In cases of sexual abuse within schools, the focus often extends beyond the perpetrator to include the systemic safeguards—or lack thereof—that may have allowed the abuse to occur. Parents, students, and community members are now asking whether sufficient oversight, reporting mechanisms, and preventative measures were in place to protect students.
St. Helens School District Leadership’s Role
The school board’s decision in placing Superintendent Scot Stockwell on leave signals a deeper examination of the district’s response to the allegations. St. Helens High School Principal Katy Wagner was placed on administrative leave. Board Chair Ryan Scholl resigned. Leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering a safe school environment, and any perceived lapses in judgment or action can erode trust within the community. For St. Helens, rebuilding that trust will likely require a transparent investigation into the teacher’s actions and the district’s policies and leadership decisions.
Supporting Survivors and Families
As the investigation continues, the district must prioritize support for survivors and their families. Sexual abuse in schools not only traumatizes individuals but also leaves a lasting impact on the broader school community. Resources such as trauma-informed counseling, open communication channels for reporting concerns, and visible accountability measures are essential to begin the healing process.
The Importance of Preventative Measures
This case illustrates the need for robust preventative measures in school systems.
Things like:
- Regular staff training on recognizing and reporting abuse
- Clear protocols for handling allegations,
- Routine reviews of staff behavior and interactions with students
are vital to creating a culture of safety and vigilance.
A Call for Accountability
Survivors and their families deserve transparency and action to ensure no student has to endure such violations in the future. St. Helens School District and its leadership knew more than they were leading on.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we are dedicated to advocating for abuse survivors and holding institutions accountable. Contact us to explore your legal options if you or a loved one has been affected. 1-(866) 311-8640
