Another Area Teacher Faces Sex Abuse Charges

Mt. Angel's School District makes statement over arrest and investigation.

Colby Molan, a PE teacher at Kennedy High School, was arrested and charged yesterday afternoon with one count of Sex Abuse III and one count of Official Misconduct.

(MT. ANGEL, Ore.) - Another teacher from the rural communities northeast of Salem has been arrested on Sex Abuse charges.

Mt. Angel School District Superintendent Bob Young says they were notified that Colby Molan, a PE and health teacher at Kennedy High School, was arrested and charged yesterday afternoon with one count of Sex Abuse III and one count of Official Misconduct. These are misdemeanor crimes.

"Again, our district staff and school board take reports involving misconduct very seriously and will act quickly as possible in the best interest of everyone involved."

Young says last Wednesday, the school district placed Mr. Molan on paid administrative leave. The criminal investigation is concluded according to Young, who says the District will be able to close its investigation this week or early next week.

"While this is a personnel matter that limits our ability to provide more specific details, we are taking appropriate action with Mr. Molan and will make sure our education program continues without interruption. Appropriate action includes following all District and state rules and laws regarding staff discipline, while protecting Mr. Molan's privacy rights."

He says they have also offered counseling help to any students who may request these services, and the school staff says they are prepared to handle their questions.

Young added, "Creating a learning climate that is safe and nurturing for all students has, and will always be, our top priority."

It is noteworthy that the charges against Colby Molan are misdemeanors as the school district pointed out; and that suggests that the charges in this case are not severe as compared to some school sex abuse cases.

In this case, like all others, the individual has been arrested and charged, but not convicted. In some cases, innocent people are mistakenly charged and the charges are later dismissed.

The matter can bring great pressure on a individual and their family after they have been named in the media and connected to Sex Abuse charges. It is wise for all to remember that anyone in this position is innocent until proven guilty.

Yesterday we reported that a retired teacher had been arraigned on two counts of Sex Abuse in the first degree in Salem. Retired Sublimity school teacher John Lulay was arraigned on the two counts of Sex Abuse in the first degree.