Prosecutors: St. Helens teacher accused of sex abuse has more allegations going back decades, including at prior district

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The prosecutors accusing a St. Helens teacher of multiple sex abuse charges alleged he has a longer history of abuse that stretches back decades, including alleged complaints at a previous school district.

On Friday, St. Helens High School choir teacher Eric Stearns appeared in court for what was supposed to be a standard release hearing. However, his lawyer did not show up to court and he will remain in jail until at least the rescheduled hearing on Monday afternoon.