A teacher in Nova Scotia is in legal trouble for multiple offenses, including sexual assault against a student at the school where he worked. Matthew Donahoe, aged 53 and residing in Bible Hill, N.S., faces charges such as sexual assault, sexual interference, assault with a weapon, assault by choking, regular assault, and administering a harmful substance. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have disclosed that there are other victims involved in similar incidents allegedly perpetrated by Donahoe.
The RCMP did not specify the exact number of victims, their age, or gender, the grade Donahoe taught, or whether the affected students were from his class. Donahoe was working as a teacher at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton, N.S., catering to students from pre-primary to Grade 8. The police initially received a report of an assault on Sept. 10, just five days into the school year. Subsequently, while investigating, they discovered other victims who had experienced similar alleged assaults.
All the reported assaults occurred during the 2026-27 school year within the school premises and during school hours, according to the RCMP. Following the first assault report, the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education restricted Donahoe’s access to the school and students. The regional education center expressed deep concern over the charges and emphasized the gravity of the situation, providing support to students and families affected.
Donahoe has been placed on unpaid leave, as confirmed by the regional education center. The RCMP suspect there might be more victims and assured that a supportive and trauma-informed approach would be employed during the investigation. Cpl. Carlie McCann encouraged victims to come forward, assuring that resources and assistance are available.
Donahoe was taken into custody on Wednesday and appeared in Pictou provincial court on Thursday. Some of the conditions of his release order include no contact with individuals under 18, avoiding places frequented by youths, observing a curfew, residing with a surety in Dartmouth, attending court as required, staying in Nova Scotia, maintaining a distance of 500 meters from certain individuals’ residences, schools, or workplaces, refraining from possessing weapons, and avoiding locations where minors congregate.
Donahoe is scheduled to appear in court again on Oct. 19.