Salem-Keizer teacher charged with sexually abusing another student

Whitney Woodworth
Statesman Journal
Shane Ross, 40

A Salem-Keizer teacher arrested in June on suspicion of sexually abusing a former student is facing additional charges of abusing a second girl under the age of 14. 

Shane Ross, 40, of Turner, was the girls' coach at the time of the alleged abuse. 

He initially was accused of sexually assaulting one student over a six year period, from 2009 to 2015.

In the June arrest, Marion County prosecutors filed 15 charges, including five counts of first-degree sexual abuse, nine counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of second-degree unlawful sexual penetration. The girl was under 18, but the abuse began when she was under the age of 14. 

Salem-Keizer teacher arrested on child abuse charges

Ross was a physical education teacher at Englewood Elementary School in Salem. 

Investigators previously said they were looking for additional victims, and on Monday, prosecutors filed new charges listing a second victim. 

According to court documents, Ross abused the girl during his earlier years employed at the Salem-Keizer School District. The abuse spanned from 2001 to 2005. Ross was the girl's coach during some of those years. 

Before Ross was placed on paid administrative leave on March 6, he taught at five Salem-Keizer schools for more than 17 years. 

He joined Houck Middle School as a physical education teacher in 2000 and left in 2001.

In 2002, he transferred to Parrish Middle School to teach physical education and computer education.

He remained at Parrish until 2011, when he transferred to teach PE at Schirle Elementary School and Rosedale Elementary School at the same time. He divided his time teaching at both schools until 2012. 

In 2012, he transferred to Englewood Elementary School and taught PE until being placed on leave in March of this year. 

First-degree sexual abuse and second-degree unlawful sexual penetration are Measure 11 offenses that carry mandatory minimum sentences of 75 months in prison.

Ross was released on bail June 29 and ordered to have no contact with his victim and any minors besides his own children. 

After prosecutors filed new charges against him, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was taken into custody Tuesday and held on $1 million bail. 

Citing the pending criminal case, the Marion County District Attorney's Office declined to comment on how they learned of the second victim. Salem police referred all questions to the district attorney. 

Police asked that anyone with information regarding any concerning or inappropriate contact involving Ross to contact the Salem Police Department Tip Line at 503-588-8477. 

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodwort@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-399-6884 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth

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