N.S. elementary school teacher charged with sexually assaulting student

A Pictou County teacher is facing a slew of charges, including sexual assault involving a student at the elementary school where he taught, and RCMP say they have identified other victims in similar alleged incidents.

Matthew Donahoe, 53, of Bible Hill, N.S., has been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, assault with a weapon, two counts of assault by choking, four counts of assault, and administering a noxious substance.

RCMP said the charges relate to multiple victims, but would not say how many. Police also would not share information about the age or gender of the victims, what grade Donahoe taught or whether the affected students were in his class.

Donahoe is a teacher at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton, N.S. The school serves students in grades pre-primary to 8.

RCMP said they received an initial report of an assault on Sept. 10, just five days into the school year. During their investigation, they identified other victims of similar alleged assaults.

All the alleged assaults occurred within the 2026-27 school year and took place inside the school, during the school day, RCMP said.

According to police, the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education removed Donahoe's access to the school and students at the time of the initial allegation of an assault.

In a statement, the regional education centre said the charges are "deeply troubling" and it takes the matter "very seriously."

The centre had supports available at the school on Thursday and will continue to do so into next week. The school has notified families that Donahoe has been placed on leave, the statement said.

RCMP said there may be more victims, and said investigators will use a supportive and trauma-informed approach to investigating.

“You and your loved ones will be heard, supported, and treated with respect,” Const. Daniel Ronaghan of Pictou County RCMP said in a news release. “We want you to know that you can reach out to discuss the right process, pace, and resources.”

Donahoe was arrested Wednesday and was scheduled to appear in Pictou provincial court Thursday.

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Frances Willick is a journalist with CBC Nova Scotia. Please contact her with feedback, story ideas or tips at frances.willick@cbc.ca

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