ST HELENS Hours. (KPTV) – On Tuesday, a current and former teacher at St. Helens were arrested on charges of sexually abusing students.

Eric Stearns, 46, was arrested in the 400 block of North 16th Street, and Mark Collins, 64, was arrested in the 900 block of Port Avenue in Beaverton, according to the St. Helens.

Stearns and Collins were arrested after a two-month investigation by St. Helens, following allegations of past sexual abuse at the high school.

Stearns is still employed as a professor at St. Helens High School on Tuesday night, and Collins is a retired teacher.

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Former student victims and possible additional victims have been identified, according to St. Helens.

“We’re a little concerned because she’s been in close contact with him since the beginning of school as well as extracurricular activities outside of school,” said April Godden, the mother of one of Stearns’ students. “It made me sick to my stomach knowing that I put my daughter in the hands of these people who were supposed to be trusted with children.”

Stearns was charged with seven counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of third-degree sexual abuse.

Collins was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count of attempted second-degree sexual assault.

The parents of St. The Helens said they received an email from the district on Tuesday that read in part;

“At the St. Helens, providing a safe and supportive environment for our students and staff is our highest priority… Earlier, local law enforcement notified us of the arrest of a current and former district employee. While we are unable to share additional details due to the ongoing investigation, please know that we are fully cooperating with law enforcement in this matter. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work together to maintain a safe and positive environment for all.”

Godden said she thinks the message is vague.

“He didn’t release any names … I would have liked him to be out. Hey, we have this teacher. This is his name. He was arrested on these charges,” Godden said.

Godden expressed concern about why Stearns was not fired two months ago when the crimes were first reported.

Police said they believe there may be more victims who have yet to come forward.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact Detectives Edwards and Smith in St. Helens by calling 503-397-1521.

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