Dr. Kathryn "Katy" Wagner, the principal of the school at the center of the St. Helens School District sex abuse crisis, has turned herself in to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office on criminal charges.

The CCSO says Wagner turned herself in to law enforcement on the morning of Wednesday, November 27.

Wagner’s arrest is the result of a two-month investigation that was started by the St. Helens Police Department regarding allegations of historical sexual abuse that happened at St. Helens High School.

On November 12, 2024, St. Helens detectives made two arrests of one current (46-year-old Eric Stearns) and one former (64-year-old Mark Collins) high school teacher on sexual abuse charges. The teachers were alleged to have abused students while working at St. Helens High School. Wagner was the acting principal during the timeframe of the abuse.

Wagner, as well as district superintendent Scot Stickwell, were placed on administrative leave on Friday, Nov. 15.

During the investigation, detectives discovered evidence that critical mandatory reports related to the abuse had not been completed. This included allegations that Wagner knowingly withheld necessary and adequate physical care from students at the high school and did not report child abuse.

Evidence was presented to a Columbia County grand jury, and on Tuesday the jury indicted Wagner on two counts of felony first-degree criminal mistreatment, two counts of first-degree official misconduct, and two counts of second-degree official misconduct

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.