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Astor K-8 SchoolArticle from KGW.com

PORTLAND, Ore. — 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.


If you or someone you care about was sexually abused and you would like advice from an attorney about the rights and options for victims of child sexual abuse, please contact Crew Janci LLP today for a free, confidential consultation at 1-888-407-0224 or by using our private online form.  We will treat you with discretion and respect.

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Andria Seo

Andria Seo is an Associate Attorney at Crew Janci LLP. Andria is a graduate of the New York University School of Law. During law school, she worked with the National Center for Youth Law, the Legal Aid Society, and the NYCLU. Prior to joining the team at Crew Janci LLP, Andria advocated for vulnerable children and their families as a staff attorney at Partnership for Children’s Rights, a nonprofit based in New York City. Andria also previously worked assisting in the representation of victims of a terrorist attack in civil suits. Andria moved to Portland in 2016 and joined Crew Janci LLP in 2017. She is admitted to practice in Oregon and New York