Vancouver teacher's sexual misconduct charge dropped due to statute of limitations

Prosecutors have dropped a sexual misconduct charge against Vancouver teacher Shadbreon Gatson due to the expiration of the statute of limitations, but investigations by police and Vancouver Public Schools are ongoing. The charge stemmed from allegations by a former student who reported a sexual relationship with Gatson when she was 16 and he was 31. Despite the legal setback, police have indicated that additional victims have come forward, suggesting a potential pattern of misconduct. Gatson was arrested on December 23, 2024, and placed on administrative leave prior to the allegations surfacing. Court documents reveal that the former student provided a journal detailing the relationship, and a custodian reported witnessing intimate encounters between them at school.

In December, the victim changed her story, admitting to lying during the school investigation due to trauma. This incident raises serious questions about past disciplinary actions taken against Gatson, who had previously received admonishments regarding his interactions with female students. As investigations progress, the community remains concerned about student safety and the responsibilities of educational institutions.