Vancouver teacher's arrest for alleged sexual misconduct draws mixed reactions
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A Vancouver English teacher appeared in court on Monday after being arrested on Friday for alleged sexual misconduct with a student.
Hudson's Bay High School teacher Shadbreon Gatson was charged with sexual misconduct with a minor after Vancouver police say the alleged victim, who is now an adult, was a 16-year-old student when she claims the misconduct took place.
According to officials, the allegations are the latest in a pattern of behavior Gatson has shown.
"The allegations go back to 2013, but we're also aware of more recent allegations involving another student that happened in 2024. That will be considered in charging in relationship with this case," said the Clark County prosecutor. "He also received letters of directions pertaining to interactions with females as early as 2009."
Prosecutors say Gaston was previously reprimanded for allegedly "failing to maintain a boundary" with two other female students back in 2017.
A Vancouver Public School employee claimed they were "not surprised at all," by the arrest.
"The fact that teachers are talking to underage students this way…," said the employee. "It's kind of sad that is my reaction. This is just such a common thing."
A former student of Gaston, who asked to remain anonymous, said "I don't think he would do that," in response to the teacher's allegations. She added that even her mom "couldn't believe it."
VPS says Gaston was placed on leave on Nov. 8, when the district first learned of inappropriate behavior. But law enforcement says the arrest stems from the Dec. 2 report filed by the former student.
In an email to families on Friday, school and district leadership wrote that "sharing information prematurely could jeopardize the investigation, hinder the process of accountability, and compromise the integrity of the findings."
KOIN 6 asked VPS how many reports of Gaston's alleged misconduct they have received. KOIN has yet to receive a response.
Police say they are searching for more victims and that anyone with information is asked to contact authorities.
Gatson is back in court on Jan. 6.