Following a four-month probe into allegations of sexual abuse at St. Helens High School, the local police announced the arrest of Eric Stearns, a 46-year-old teacher at the institution, on additional charges related to the case. According to the St. Helens Police Department, following Stearns' initial arrest on November 12, 2024, the continued investigation unearthed eight more alleged victims.
Stearns had already been indicted on multiple counts of Sexual Abuse in the Second and Third Degrees after the first wave of allegations surfaced. The additional charges now include one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, six more in the Second Degree, and four in the Third Degree, as presented to a Columbia County Grand Jury last Thursday. After the indictment, Stearns was taken into custody and is currently held at the Columbia County Jail.
The police have expressed concerns about the existence of further victims as Stearns’ history and connections are still under scrutiny. Detectives Edwards and Smith are leading the call for anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact the St. Helens Police at 503-397-1521.
While authorities continue their pursuit of justice for the alleged victims, community concern has been heightened due to the nature of Stearns’ position as an educator and the potential implications of his alleged misconduct. The St. Helens Police Department and the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office remain vigilant, encouraging those in the know to assist in bringing clarity to these grave allegations. For additional details or to report information regarding Eric Stearns, Communications Officer Crystal King can be reached via email at [email protected].
