St. Helens High School Principal Indicted, Arrested on Criminal Charges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 27, 2024

ST. HELENS, OR – On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Kathryn Wagner, 45, of Scappoose turned herself in to Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies in St. Helens on criminal mistreatment and official misconduct charges related to her employment as the St. Helens High School principal.

Wagner’s arrest is the result of a two-month investigation that was initiated by the St. Helens Police Department regarding allegations of historical sexual abuse which occurred at St. Helens High School. On November 12, 2024, St. Helens detectives made two arrests of one current and one former high school teacher on sexual abuse charges. During the investigation, detectives discovered evidence that critical mandatory reports related to the abuse had not been completed.

Evidence was presented to a Columbia County grand jury. On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Wagner was indicted for two counts of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree, two counts of Official Misconduct in the First Degree, and two counts of Official Misconduct in the Second Degree. Wagner is currently lodged at the Columbia County Jail.

Investigators are seeking additional information about Kathryn 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.

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For further information regarding this press release, please contact Communications Officer Crystal King at cking@sthelensoregon.gov.