For most children, a significant portion of every day is spent at school under the care of educators. These are the people parents trust with their children’s safety and well-being. While these student-teacher relationships should be constructive and nurturing, some teachers use their position of influence to take advantage of and abuse innocent children.
A physical education teacher in Salem was recently arrested following accusations of sexual abuse by a former student. Shane Ross taught at Englewood Elementary School since 2012, and previously taught at a handful of other grade schools in the area. The accusations span several years. In March, he was put on paid-leave, and parents of the school were sent a letter in light of his arrest. Parents and students alike have noted their shock at his arrest, claiming that he was well-liked. He has been charged with five counts of first-degree sexual abuse, nine counts of second-degree sexual abuse, and one count of second-degree unlawful sexual penetration. His first appearance is court is scheduled for June 15.
Kafoury & McDougal recently filed a $20 million lawsuit against former Deep Creek Elementary School principal Jeff Hays on behalf of two girls who claim he sexually abused them over the course of many years. The abuse took place in his office, where Hays would use the guise of educational aid to take advantage of these young girls. One girl said that Hays would quiz her on math problems in his office with the door closed. He would place his hand on her thigh and move it up her leg each time she answered incorrectly. Hays is still working in education as executive director of City View Charter School in Hillsboro.
Both of these cases are open investigations. Investigators in the Shane Ross case say there may be additional victims, and ask that anyone with information contact the Salem Police Department Tip Line at 503-588-8477. If you or someone you know was abused by Jeff Hays, call the Clackamas County Sheriff’s nonemergency number: 503 655 8211. Ask for lead investigator Lisa Shipley. Also contact Kafoury & McDougal, so we may further investigate Hayes’ conduct at Deep Creek and City View.