St. Helens principal arrested on felony mistreatment, misconduct charges

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- St. Helens High School principal Katy Wagner was arrested after turning herself in on criminal mistreatment and official misconduct charges.

Wagner was initially put on leave on Nov. 15 after news broke that a current teacher, Eric Stearns, and a former teacher, Mark Collins, were arrested for alleged sexual abuse.

The following week, it was announced that Wagner was under investigation for failing to report safety concerns amidst the sexual abuse allegations at the school, authorities said.

Stearns and Collins were named in the criminal mistreatment charges that Wagner faces, alleging that she “unlawfully and knowingly withheld necessary and adequate physical care from the students of St. Helens High School,” from Nov. 2018 to Nov. 2024.

In a release Wednesday morning, St. Helens police said that during their investigation, they learned that critical mandatory reports related to the abuse had not been completed.

After the evidence was presented to a Columbia County grand jury, Wagner was indicted for two counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment, two counts of first-degree official misconduct, and two counts of second-degree official misconduct.

The two criminal mistreatment charges are Class C felonies, according to court records.

Dr. Wagner appeared in court Wednesday but said very little.

The parents and victim advocates who packed the courtroom said this is far from a victory but it is a step in the right direction.

Wagner pleaded not guilty to the six charges. She was released on bail, agreeing to the judge's terms of not seeking employment in an education setting or a position that requires mandatory reporting obligations.

Safe Columbia County Executive Director Shane Kennedy, an advocate for victims of sex abuse, reacted strongly to the news of Wagner being charged with multiple crimes.

"It's been terribly difficult, because the people that we absolutely entrusted with our most beloved children, we can't trust anymore," Kennedy said. "We want to see Wagner removed. We don't want to be paying her anymore."

Doug Weaver, a content creator who is from St. Helens and has been active during recent student-led protests, said he thinks there should be stronger laws to protect children.

"I knew it wasn't just some teachers acting out of line and hurting children. I knew that there was something more to it, that has perpetuated this on for decades," Weaver said.  "I want to see the St Helens school district actually follow their own policies, which it seems like they haven't been doing. And I'd like to see harsher mandated reporter laws from the State of Oregon."

Weaver grew up in St. Helens. His TikTok videos about his experience in the school district sparked a wave of new reports, ultimately tipping off law enforcement to the issue.

"Current and former students telling me about things that had happened to them and how their cases haven't been taken seriously. That when they reported to school administration that the school administration had brushed it aside," Weaver said.

Kennedy said she admires how students have taken it upon themselves to push for change.

"These things have been going on for decades and it's terrible that it's taken basically a revolution from our teenagers to support the change we need," she said.

KOIN 6 News asked Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek for comment on the arrest of Wagner. In response, Roxy Mayer, Kotek's press secretary, sent the following statement:

"The Governor’s office will continue to work with the Oregon Department of Education, education partners, and the congressional delegation to support the newly appointed acting superintendent in rebuilding the trust between the district and the St. Helens community, and ensure every child is kept safe from harm, every day."

A spokesperson for the St. Helens School District also sent KOIN 6 the following statement:

"We have just learned of the indictment and arrest of Dr. Katy Wagner, which is deeply troubling news for our district and community. This is a difficult day for St. Helens High School, and our thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted during this incredibly challenging time.

"We have launched an independent, third-party investigation to thoroughly and impartially determine what occurred and why. Findings and recommendations will be shared with the community, with the final report expected 45 to 60 days after the investigation begins. This timeline is subject to change based on what is learned through the investigation. The district is committed to taking corrective action. 

"To ensure stability at the high school, we are moving quickly to appoint an acting principal who will provide clear and steady leadership. This temporary appointment will remain in place until the legal process concludes, and we will ensure that all actions are consistent with due process.

"The district will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement and the Department of Human Services as the investigation unfolds. 

"Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support as we navigate this difficult time together."

Investigators said that they are still seeking additional information about Wagner and any mandatory reports that might have not been completed. Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Helens Police Department.