Police arrested a Camas High School custodian and assistant softball coach Friday for allegedly inappropriately touching more than a dozen young female students.
The district reported Robbyn D. Mattson, a 58-year-old school staff member and Camas resident, to police on Wednesday after learning about the allegations. Administrators immediately placed Mattson on paid administrative leave as police began looking into the accusations.
District spokeswoman Doreen McKercher stressed the man is not to be confused with Robert T. Mattson, a teacher at Skyridge Middle School.
Investigators say Robbyn Mattson touched 17 female students during school hours in the past month, according to a news release from the Camas Police. The ages of the students range from 14 to 18.
The investigation included conversations with Mattson, his accusers, witnesses and staff members. Investigators also watched surveillance video of Mattson.
Mattson was booked on suspicion of eight counts of third-degree child molestation, five counts of second-degree sexual misconduct and four counts of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation. Shortly after the arrest, Camas High School Principal Steve Marshall released a statement saying the school has taken a fast response to help its students.
“There is nothing more important to us than the safety of the students we serve,” Marshall said. “So once we became of aware of this situation, we took immediate action to protect both our students and the educational environment of our school.”
The investigation is ongoing, and police said they will not release any additional information at this point. The past three days have been a trying time for the school, Marshall said, as police continue to search for any other possible victims.
“Over the past three days, we have shared in the pain felt by these students, their families, and the community,” Marshall said. “Every day, we are responsible for the safety of more than 2,000 students. There is a trust put in us to protect the children we serve and that trust something I value and want to keep.”
Counseling staff will be available for students at the high school over the winter break.
Investigators urge anyone with further information about the allegations to contact the Camas Police Department at 360-834-4151.
