In a significant development coming out of St. Helens, former high school principal Kathryn Wagner has been arrested on charges related to criminal mistreatment and official misconduct. Wagner, aged 45, surrendered to the authorities at the Columbia County Sheriff's Office today.
According to a report by the St. Helens Police Department, the arrest follows a two-month probe into allegations of sexual abuse at St. Helens High School. The investigation led to the arrest of two individuals connected to the school, one a current teacher and, the other a former teacher, on November 12, on charges of sexual abuse.
During the course of the investigation, it was uncovered that mandatory reports, which are critical in such cases had not been filed. This lapse in procedure is part of the misconduct Wagner is being charged with. According to the St. Helens Police Department, evidence from this investigation was put before a Columbia County grand jury, resulting in Wagner's indictment the day before her surrender.
Wagner is facing two counts each of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree, Official Misconduct in the First Degree, and Official Misconduct in the Second Degree. Following the indictment, she was lodged at the Columbia County Jail, where she remains pending further legal proceedings.
