Sexual Abuse at the Hands of St. Helens' Staff Members and Specifically Choir Teacher Eric Stearns: What Every Family Should Know

Recent events have unveiled a distressing pattern of sexual abuse within the St. Helens School District, notably involving choir teacher Eric Stearns.

These revelations have left many families grappling with shock and seeking justice. 

Understanding the situation and knowing your rights is crucial in these challenging times.

The Unfolding Scandal in St. Helens School District

In November 2024, Eric Stearns, a choir teacher at St. Helens High School, was arrested on multiple charges of sexual abuse.

The allegations span nearly a decade, involving at least nine underage girls.

Shockingly, reports suggest that school administrators were aware of these claims for years but failed to take appropriate action.

A TikTok video by a former student brought these issues to light, prompting widespread outrage and demands for accountability. (Source: New York Post)

A Timeline of Events

• September 20, 2024: The district began placing staff members on leave in connection to sexual abuse allegations.
• October 15, 2024: St. Helens police served the high school with a subpoena for personnel files related to Eric Stearns and former teacher Mark Collins.
• November 12, 2024: Stearns and Collins were arrested on charges of sexually abusing students.
• November 13-14, 2024: High school principal Dr. Katy Wagner and Superintendent Scot Stockwell were placed on leave.
• December 2, 2024: A third-party investigation into the district's handling of the allegations commenced.
• January 6, 2025: Stearns pleaded not guilty to 18 counts of sexual abuse during his arraignment.
• January 14, 2025: Stearns' trial faced delays as his defense sought a new judge. (Source: KGW)
• February 24, 2025: Stearns remained in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. (Source: KPTV)

The Impact on Victims and the Community

The emotional and psychological toll on victims of educator sexual misconduct is profound.

Nationally, it's estimated that one in every 10 students will experience some form of such misconduct by the time they complete high school.

This statistic underscores the urgency of addressing and preventing abuse within educational settings. (Source: OBP)

The community of St. Helens has been deeply affected. Parents have expressed frustration over the district's lack of transparency, leading to emotional testimonies at school board meetings.

The scandal has prompted resignations and suspensions of multiple staff members, reflecting systemic issues within the district's handling of abuse allegations. (Source: KPTV)

Legal Rights and Avenues for Victims

Victims of sexual abuse within educational institutions have legal rights to seek justice and compensation. It's essential to understand that:

• Statute of Limitations: Time constraints exist when a lawsuit can be filed. Acting promptly ensures that victims don't forfeit their right to legal recourse.
• Civil vs. Criminal Cases: While criminal cases address the perpetrator's punishment, civil cases focus on compensating the victim for their suffering.
• Institutional Responsibility: Schools and districts can be held liable if they fail to act upon reports of misconduct or do not implement adequate protective measures.

Steps to Take if You or a Loved One Is Affected

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the actions of Eric Stearns or any other staff member within the St. Helens School District, consider the following steps:

1. Seek Support: Contact local support groups or counselors specializing in trauma from sexual abuse.
2. Document Everything: Keep records of any communications, incidents, or reports related to the abuse.
3. Consult Legal Counsel: To understand your rights and options, engage with attorneys experienced in handling sexual abuse cases within educational settings.
4. Report the Abuse: Ensure the incident is reported to local law enforcement and relevant educational authorities.

Filing a Sexual Abuse Claim in Oregon

In Oregon, survivors of sexual abuse have specific timeframes to file claims, depending on their age at the time of the abuse and the nature of the claim.

For Child Victims:

• Civil Claims: Survivors must initiate a lawsuit before turning 40 or within five years of discovering the connection between the abuse and their injury, whichever is later. (Source: NCSL)
• Criminal Prosecution: For certain offenses, prosecution can commence within 12 years after the crime or before the victim turns 30, whichever is later. (Source: Oregon Public Law)

For Adult Victims:

• Civil Claims: Survivors have five years from the date they discover or reasonably should have discovered the connection between the abuse and their injury to file a claim. (Source: OLIS)

It's important to note that these timeframes can vary based on individual circumstances and the case's specifics.

Given the complexities of these laws, survivors should consult with a legal professional to fully understand their rights and the applicable statutes of limitations.

Moving Forward: Seeking Justice and Healing

The revelations about Eric Stearns and the broader issues within the St. Helens School District highlight the critical need for systemic change.

For victims, pursuing legal action can be a pathway to healing and ensuring accountability.

Act swiftly is essential, as legal timeframes can impact the ability to seek compensation.

Take Action Now

The window to file litigation is limited.

If you or a family member have been affected by the misconduct of Eric Stearns or any other staff member in the St. Helens School District, don't wait.

Request a free, confidential case review today to determine your eligibility for justice and compensation.

Your courage can make a difference.

We believe all victims who were sexually abused by any St. Helens Staff Member, especially choir teacher Eric Stearns,  should receive justice and potential compensation, beginning with a free, private case review with our experienced legal team.