In a disquieting sequence of events, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office disclosed that a Banks High School teacher has been arrested on charges of sexual abuse and luring a minor, following a report that the educator engaged in sexual misconduct with a student. On January 7, staff at the high school reported their concerns to the authorities. Acting in compliance with the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline mandates, the school district immediately placed 66-year-old math teacher Wymon Smith on administrative leave, according to an official statement on the Washington County Sheriff's Office website.
Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit, charged with handling such sensitive cases, found that Smith not only had inappropriate exchanges with several students but also had, it seems, sexual contact with at least one student within the sanctum of school grounds. Smith's arrest yesterday came subsequent to these disturbing revelations, and he now faces the ramifications behind bars; second-degree sexual abuse is considered a felony when a teacher or coach is involved, reflecting the gravity of his alleged actions.
There is an increasing unease within the community and among investigators that Smith’s transgressions may not be isolated incidents. The detectives have thus made an appeal to the public for any information on possible additional victims or related misconduct by Smith, and stress that further charges may be pending based on the outcomes of the ongoing inquiry.
The Banks School District is fully cooperating with law enforcement, emphasizing that student safety is a top priority. This contrasts with the serious breaches of trust allegedly committed by Smith. Authorities have released Smith’s booking photo, in line with Oregon House Bill 3273, to encourage public help in uncovering related crimes.
