Nova Scotia teacher charged with sexually assaulting student at school as police identify more victims

A teacher in Nova Scotia has been charged with sexually assaulting a student at the school where he taught. Matthew Donahoe, aged 53 years, is also facing a slew of other charges, including sexual interference, assault with a weapon, two counts of assault by choking, four counts of assault, and administering a noxious substance. Donahoe was arrested on Wednesday (September 23).

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said that they have identified other victims in similar alleged incidents. The charges relate to multiple victims, the police force said.

When did the incidents occur?

Donahoe is employed as a teacher at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton, Nova Scotia, which serves students up to Grade 8, CBC News reported.

The RCMP said they received a report of an assault on September 10, just five days into the school year. During the investigation, officers identified other victims of similar alleged assaults. All the alleged incidents took place within the 2026-27 school year and occurred on the school premises, the RCMP said. Donahoe's access to the school and students has been revoked in light of the allegations, the police said.

In a statement, the Chignecto Central Regional Centre said it was taking the matter "very seriously", describing the charges as "deeply troubling." The statement added that Donahoe has been placed on unpaid leave.

What did the police say?

Police said that investigators will use a supportive and trauma-informed approach for the case. "Investigators understand that coming forward may be difficult," Cpl. Carlie McCann told CBC News. "We want you to understand that we can go at the pace and use the process that is going to work for you or your loved ones or the people you care for and we understand that this maybe a difficult thing for people to bring forward," she added.

Donahoe appears in court

On Thursday afternoon, Donahoe appeared in Pictou provincial court as families of students also attended the proceedings. He is due to appear again in court on October 19. Some of Donahoe's release order conditions include not contacting persons aged under 18 years, abiding by a curfew, and attending court when directed.