Former teacher accused of having sex with students
By Elissa Harrington KVAL NewsCOTTAGE GROVE, Ore. - Shane Mast was a social studies teacher, a varsity basketball coach -- and now faces sex abuse charges. The 31-year old turned himself in Monday to the Cottage Grove Police Department on a warrant charging him with sex abuse. After he was booked, he was arrested again by the Douglas County Sheriff's office on multiple counts of sex abuse. Detectives say he had inappropriate contact with underage girls at the school. Mast taught at Cottage Grove High School through the 2007/2008 school year. During this time, he's accused of having sex with several female students. Detectives wouldn't say where the sex abuse took place or the names of the girls. To be fair, KVAL called Shane Mast to get his side of the story. He says all the accusations are false, he never had sex with any females at the the school, and he wants people to hold their opinions until after all the facts are presented in court. He also said he quit teaching at Cottage Grove high school in 2008 to do non-profit work in Africa. He sent KVAL this written statement: "I ask for people to hold their opinions until all facts are presented in court. Rumors can snowball into sensational stories from unsensational truths! I believe these accusations are not coming from any alleged victims, but rather from overzealous police officers who seems [sic] to be on a personal vendetta rather than looking for justice and social welfare." "In light of these accusations my family and I are trying to make ends meet and press on as best as we can. I do wish to say that I love my wife and my kids and would like to have the least impact on them as possible throughout this process." We also found Mast's facebook page. On his profile he says, "I have 3 great kids. I am happily married." Mast also posted a message just around 7 o' clock Tuesday. It read: "please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers." His Facebook page has since been erased. Third degree sex abuse charges are misdemeanors in Oregon. Police say this sex abuse case is part of a nine month investigation. Mast is expected to have his next court hearing Thursday, Oct. 8. |
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