Full Breakdown
Teacher Charged with Multiple Assaults at Pictou County School
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Core Event and Charges
Matthew Donahoe, 53, a teacher at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton, Nova Scotia, was arrested after the Pictou County District RCMP received a report of an assault on a student. The report was logged on September 10. Donahoe was taken into custody on September 23. RCMP say he faces four counts of assault, two counts of assault by choking, assault with a weapon, sexual assault, sexual interference, and a charge of administering a noxious substance. The alleged incidents occurred during the 2026-27 school year, inside the school and during regular school hours.
Investigation and Support Measures
Police have identified additional victims of “similar assaults” and indicated that more may emerge. The investigation is being conducted with a “supportive and trauma-informed approach,” allowing victims to engage at a pace that suits them. Resources for victims and families are being made available, and the regional education centre has placed Donahoe on leave while the probe continues.
Court Proceedings and Conditions
Donahoe appeared in Pictou provincial court the following Thursday. The court ordered a series of release conditions, including no contact with anyone under 18, a curfew, residence with a surety in Dartmouth, and a prohibition on entering any location where youths might be present. His leave from the school is unpaid. He is scheduled to return to court in October.
Official Statements & Responses
The Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education (CCRCE) said the charges are “deeply troubling” and affirmed its commitment to student safety. RCMP officials emphasized that victims will be heard, supported, and treated with respect. Const. Daniel Ronaghan highlighted the department’s trauma-informed approach, while Cpl. Carlie McCann stressed that coming forward can be difficult and that investigators will accommodate victims’ needs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On September 10, Pictou County District RCMP received a report that a teacher had assaulted a student at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton,” — Pictou County. RCMP
- “These charges are deeply troubling, and I can assure you that CCRCE takes these matters very seriously,” — CCRCE
- “You and your loved ones will be heard, supported, and treated with respect,” — Const. Daniel Ronaghan, Pictou County District RCMP General Investigation Section, in the release
- “Investigators understand that coming forward may be difficult,” — Cpl. Carlie McCann
