Portland teacher indicted, accused of touching students

PORTLAND — A Portland middle school science teacher has been indicted on harassment charges that accuse him of “offensively touching” three young people.

News outlets reported that a grand jury indicted 44-year-old Sean Benton on three counts of misdemeanor harassment last week.

Court records show Benton “intentionally harassed and annoyed” a female student — who was a minor — by touching her breast in October 2016.

The indictment also alleges that Benton “intentionally annoyed” two students by “subjecting” them to “offensive physical contact.” The charges are misdemeanors.

Benton’s lawyer could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday.

Records obtained by the Oregonian showed Benton had taught seventh- and eighth-grade science at Astor K-8 School since August 2011.

Portland Public Schools Spokesman Dave Northfield says the district no longer employed Benton as of June 20.