Elementary School Teacher Accused of Sexual Abuse Due in Court Monday

Farming town shocked by teacher's arrest on Sex Abuse Charges

Salem/Keizer School officials began circulating this poster through schools last year. Sex charges against teachers in the mid-valley is at minimum, an ongoing issue

(PRATUM) - A former Pratum Elementary School teacher will be in court Monday, to face 20 counts of first degree sex abuse.

Marion County sheriffs detectives arrested 43-year-old Matthew Gould, of Silverton, on Thursday.

Gould, who taught 6th through 8th graders, had been employed for the last 14 years, and was on paid administrative leave since Tuesday.

Marion County Sheriff's spokesman Kevin Rau says Gould's alleged victim is a 14-year-old male student at the school.

School officials received information last week from someone in the community and reported the case to police.

Rau said the investigation reveals that the abuse occurred over a period of about two years.

Parents, teachers, students, and local residents said they hoped that the accusations are proven false.

Silver Falls School District spokesman Dale Koger said the incident is tough on the students and the community as a whole.

The K-8 school has approximately 80 students.

School officials sent a letter home last week with students notifying parents.

School district officials are urging parents of students who had Gould as a teacher, or had contact with him, to talk with them.

Anyone with concerns, or has more information on this case is asked to call Marion County Sheriff Detective Tyler Chapman at (503) 566-6910.