Collins now faces three third-degree sexual abuse charges, which are misdemeanor crimes.

The sexual abuse charges levied against a retired St. Helens High School teacher have been downgraded from felonies to misdemeanors.

Along with former SHHS choir teacher Eric Stearns, retired teacher Mark Collins was arrested in November for alleged sexual abuse of students. Collins was originally indicted on two counts of second-degree sexual abuse — which are felony charges — and one count of third-degree attempted sexual abuse. Each charge involved a different accuser, whose names are redacted from the indictment. All three were minors at the time of the alleged abuse.

In January, the two second-degree sexual abuse charges were downgraded to third-degree sexual abuse charges, and the third-degree sexual abuse charge was downgraded to third-degree attempted sexual abuse. A fourth charge involving a fourth accuser was also added, alleging third-degree sexual abuse.

“This was due solely to the fact that the incidents of abuse occurred prior to the change in the law allowing for felony enhancement based upon a defendant being a teacher,” Columbia County Deputy District Attorney Erin Brady said of the January changes. “At the time, the law only allowed such enhancement if the defendant was a coach.”

On April 29, the charges levied against Collins were updated once again. The third-degree attempted sexual abuse charge was dropped, and that accuser is no longer represented on the charging instrument. Brady said the charge was dropped because the incident was outside the statute of limitations.

With the newest change, Collins faces three third-degree sexual abuse charges, which are misdemeanor crimes.