St. Two teachers were arrested for allegedly sexually harassing students at St. Helens High School.

ST HELENS Ore (KPTV) – On Tuesday, St. A teacher and a former teacher at St. Helens High School were arrested on charges of sexually abusing students.

Eric Stearns, 46, was arrested in the 400 block of North 16th Street, and Mark Collins, 64, was arrested in the 900 block of Port Avenue in Beaverton, according to the St. Helens Police Department.

Stearns and Collins, St. He was arrested following a two-month investigation by St. Helens Police stemming from allegations of past sexual abuse at the high school.

Stearns was still in St. Louis as of Tuesday night. He works as a teacher at St. Helens High School, while Collins is a retired teacher.

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St. Former student victims and other possible victims have also been identified, according to the St. Helens Police Department.

“We’re a little concerned because she’s been in close contact with him since the beginning of school and has also been involved in extracurricular activities outside of school,” said April Godden, the mother of one of Stearns’ students. “I feel sick knowing that I left my daughter in the hands of these people whose children should be trusted.”

Stearns was charged with seven counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of third-degree sexual abuse.

Collins was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of attempted second-degree sexual abuse.

St. Helens High School parents said they received an email from the district on Tuesday that included, in part, the following information;

“St. At St. Helens School District, it is our top priority to provide a safe, supportive environment for our students and staff… Earlier today, local law enforcement notified us of the arrest of a current and former district employee. Please be aware that although we cannot share additional details due to the ongoing investigation, we are fully cooperating with law enforcement on this matter. “We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work together to provide a safe and positive environment for everyone.”

Godden said he thought the message was unclear.

“He hasn’t released any names….I would like it to be published. Hey, we have a teacher. This is his name. He was arrested on these charges,” Godden said.

Godden expressed concerns about why Stearns was not fired when the crimes were first reported two months ago.

Police said they believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward.

Anyone with information about the case should call 503-397-1521 in St. He was asked to contact St. Helens Detectives Edwards and Smith.

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