The principal of St. Helens High School has been arrested after she was indicted Tuesday night on multiple charges.
On Wednesday, Dr. Kathryn (Katy) Wagner turned herself in to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and posted bail after the indictment was filed.
A state of Oregon grand jury indicted Wagner on two counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment, a class C felony, ranging from Nov. 2018 to Nov. 2024.
Citing that she withheld necessary and adequate care for students, in regards to Eric Stearns and Mark Collins, the two teachers charged with sexually abusing students. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and fines of up to $125,000.
Wagner appeared before a judge Wednesday afternoon for a hearing where Wagner’s attorney entered a not-guilty plea on her behalf. The state asked for stricter conditions for her release, including not being able to seek employment at schools or anywhere she would have to be a mandatory reporter.
Her attorney pushed back, saying, “We all know the law here, my client is innocent until proven guilty. I think it is premature to deny her employment opportunities.”
The judge sided with the state.
“Given the current charges the court finds it reasonable to add the special conditions that the state requested,” Judge Denise Keppinger said.
Wagner is also not allowed to contact any of the alleged victims or the other suspects in this case. Including Eric Stearns and Mark Collins. Both were arrested and bailed out of jail earlier this month. They both pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual abuse charges.
She is charged with two counts of first-degree official misconduct, a misdemeanor, ranging from Nov. 2018 to Nov. 2024, for being a mandatory child abuse reporter and failing to report child abuse which created a risk of sex crimes against a vulnerable person(s).
Wagner is also charged with two counts of second-degree official misconduct ranging from Nov. 2019 to Nov. 2024 for knowingly violating ORS 419B.010 by not complying with mandatory child abuse reporting requirements.
According to the Oregon Justice Department, only three other people have been charged with second-degree official misconduct since 2017.
“Finally; it’s sad the courts are forcing the accountability, but it’s a start in the right direction,” said parent Tiffany Cooper. “It gives me hope it’ll be handled correctly this time and the kiddos will feel safe again.”
Cooper was among many St. Helens parents who said that they hoped the DA would bring additional indictments in the days to come.
“The superintendent and some if not all the board members,” Cooper said.
On Nov. 15, Wagner was placed on administrative leave, along with the St. Helens school district superintendent, amid pushback over how the administration handled a sexual abuse investigation involving two teachers.
St. Helens students say they are breathing a sigh of relief. Many students feel the school board did not do enough when she was placed on administrative leave back on Nov. 15.
“I was happy but it was like okay can she be fired now? Is there anything else we can do,” senior, Gabe Baker said reflecting on when Wagner was placed on leave.
“I’m glad that we are not going to have her as a principal because somebody who doesn’t report these types of things shouldn’t be someone who watches over kids,” Senior Jack Roberts added.
Gabe Baker and Jack Roberts are both seniors at St. Helens and were in Eric Stearns’ choir class. Stearns pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree sexual abuse. They joined other students during the walkout and two-day protest in early Nov. when the arrests and charges were first announced. They held signs saying phrases like “Wagner knew” and “Not my principal.”
“A lot of students came forward and said she did nothing and that swayed my opinion on her for sure,” Roberts said, “I thought she was a good guy but I guess not, because she didn’t report anything it seems.”
The St. Helens school district released a statement after Wagner’s arrest.
“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.”
However, the students at SHHS want the district to be extra careful about who they hire next.
“We need people we can actually trust who we know will be proper mandatory reporters we can’t have another Wagner situation, or Stockwell, or Stearns, who are just not reporting things,” Baker said.
Wagner’s next court hearing is set for Jan. 22. Stearns, was supposed to be back in court Wednesday but his hearing was rescheduled.
One of the witnesses who testified before the grand jury was the former St. Helens High School assistant principal from 2018 to 2020, Darcy Soto, who is now an administrator with the Portland Public Schools.
Investigators are seeking additional information about Wagner. Of particular concern is mandatory reports which may not have been completed. If you have additional information, the St. Helens Police Department would like to hear from you. Please contact St. Helens Detectives Edwards and Smith by calling 503-397-1521.
The Columbia County District Attorney’s Office did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publication.