Deputies: Banks High School teacher accused of sex abuse may have more victims
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A teacher at Banks High School was arrested and accused of child sex abuse and law enforcement believe there may be more victims, authorities said.
Wymon Smith, a 66-year-old math teacher, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said. He was taken to jail and faces felony charges that include second-degree sex abuse and luring a minor.
Officials said that on Jan. 8, school staff first notified the sheriff's office of the allegations that Smith had sexual contact with a student. School officials were made aware of the allegations the previous day, after which they immediately placed Smith on leave and notified the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline on the same day, as is required by law.
"The case was assigned to detectives in the Violent Crimes Unit, which also handles child abuse investigations. Detectives learned Smith had sexually inappropriate conversations with multiple students and had sexual contact with at least one student on school property," the Washington County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.
The sheriff's office said they are concerned Smith may have had more victims. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Law enforcement officials also said the Banks School District "continues to cooperate" with the investigation.
KOIN 6 News reached out to the Banks School District for comment about Smith's arrest. We will update this story if we hear back.