ST. HELENS, Ore. (KATU) — Nearly two years after a sex abuse scandal broke in St. Helens, it is possible all three defendants charged in the case may not be tried where the alleged crimes occurred.
KATU has learned a change-of-venue request has already been granted for Eric Stearns, a former choir teacher at St. Helens High School.
According to court records, Washington County Judge Brandon Thompson granted defense attorneys’ request June 2 to move Stearns’ criminal case, including the trial, from Columbia County to Washington County…