Nova Scotia teacher Matthew Donahoe charged with sexual assault and assault at Pictou County school

A teacher at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton faces 10 charges including sexual assault. RCMP believe additional victims may exist.

Nova Scotia teacher Matthew Donahoe charged with sexual assault and assault at Pictou County school

Pictou County teacher arrested on multiple assault and sexual assault charges

Global News Crime reports that Matthew Donahoe, 53, of Bible Hill, Nova Scotia, was arrested on September 23 following allegations that he assaulted a student at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton, a pre-primary to Grade 8 institution in Pictou County.

Pictou County District RCMP received the initial complaint on September 10. Officers subsequently identified additional victims from incidents that took place during the current school year, which began three weeks before the arrest.

Donahoe faces ten charges in total: four counts of assault, two counts of assault by choking, one count of assault with a weapon, one count of sexual assault, one count of sexual interference, and one count of administering a noxious thing. He was scheduled to appear in Pictou Provincial Court on Thursday.

RCMP have indicated they believe further victims may not yet have come forward. Const. Daniel Ronaghan of the Pictou County District RCMP General Investigation Section stated in a release that the investigation is being handled with "a supportive and trauma-informed approach."

"You and your loved ones will be heard, supported, and treated with respect," Ronaghan said. "We want you to know that you can reach out to discuss the right process, pace, and resources."

The Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education (CCRCE), which oversees the school, confirmed it is aware of the arrest and is providing support to students. "These charges are deeply troubling, and I can assure you that CCRCE takes these matters very seriously," a spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The school has notified families, and Donahoe has been placed on leave while the RCMP investigation continues.

Anyone with information can contact Pictou County District RCMP at 902-485-4333 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.

Source: Global News Crime