Former Christian School Employees Indicted for Sexual Abuse of Student
David and Rachel Wakefield coached girls basketball at Damascus Christian School in Oregon
A husband and wife have been charged with sexually abusing a student under their care while they were both employees of Damascus Christian School in Oregon.
David Wakefield, 60, and Rachel Wakefield, 54, have been arrested on multiple charges stemming from their alleged abuse of a single student. David was employed by the school as the principal and athletic director while his wife, Rachel, was both a substitute teacher and coach.
David Wakefield coached the girls basketball team for over 500 games and 15 seasons with his wife as “co-coach,” according to The Oregonian.
The victim, who is now an adult, was 14 years old when the alleged abuse began. The abuse continued from January 2013 to June 2017.
David Wakefield had been aware of the allegations since at least 2021, according to his attorney, Barry Engle. Another attorney is representing Rachel Wakefield. “Dave and Rachel Wakefield have been valued members of the Clackamas County community for their lives,” their attorneys said in a statement. “They deny the charges and look forward to the day when the truth comes out.”
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The school issued a statement about the allegations on their Facebook page. “We are heartbroken to hear that charges have been filed against a former employee David Wakefield and his spouse Rachel Wakefield,” it reads. “Although this couple have not been connected to the church or school for some time, Damascus Community Church and Christian School still take these reports very seriously and the safety of our students and staff is a top priority.”
According to the Sheriff’s department, the couple was arrested and charged with a total of 31 counts of sexual abuse in the second degree. David faces 20 counts of sex abuse while his wife is charged with 11. The couple was indicted on February 20, and they turned themselves into authorities on February 28. Both husband and wife posted their respective $100,000 bonds that same day.
The sheriff’s department says there could be more victims in this case and have asked anyone with information to come forward by giving any tips through their online portal.
Main photo: Photo courtesy of Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
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