Nova Scotia Teacher Charged with Multiple Assaults on Students
Matthew Donahoe, a teacher at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton, N.S., faces charges including sexual assault and administering a noxious substance after alleged incidents during the 2026-27 school year.
Matthew Donahoe, a 53-year-old teacher from Bible Hill, Nova Scotia, has been charged with multiple offenses following allegations of assaults on students at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton. The school serves students from pre-primary through Grade 8.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received an initial report of an assault on September 10, which was five days into the 2026-27 school year. Investigators subsequently identified additional victims who reported similar alleged assaults within the same school year.
Donahoe was arrested on Wednesday, September 23, and appeared in Pictou provincial court the following day. He faces charges that include one count of sexual assault, one count of sexual interference, one count of assault with a weapon, two counts of assault by choking, four counts of assault, and one count of administering a noxious substance.
On September 24, Donahoe was granted bail subject to strict conditions. These include a $10,000 bond, residing with a surety in Dartmouth, and observing a curfew from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. He is prohibited from contacting any persons under the age of 18 or specific named individuals. Additionally, he must stay within 500 metres of the homes, schools, or workplaces of 10 named individuals and is barred from attending places where youths frequent, such as parks or playgrounds.
Donahoe is required to check in with the Pictou County RCMP by telephone every Friday beginning October 2. He is scheduled to return to court on October 19.
The Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education (CCRCE) stated that it removed Donahoe’s access to the school and students immediately upon receiving the first report. He has been placed on unpaid leave. The school board described the charges as "deeply troubling." Families have been notified of the situation, and students at the school are receiving support services.
Police believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.