02-20-26 Statement From The District Attorney Regarding Grand Jury Decision (Photo) - 02/20/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2026

Statement from the District Attorney Regarding Grand Jury Decision

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County District Attorney, Rick Wesenberg is releasing the following statement regarding the recent criminal case involving two instructional aides from Fremont Middle School in Roseburg. 

On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the Douglas County Grand Jury returned a no true bill in the matter involving 60-year-old Brian Joseph Marsters and 23-year-old Erich Michael Hoque, two instructional aides employed by the Roseburg School District.  A no true bill indicates that the Grand Jury determined that there was not enough evidence to pursue criminal charges against either individual.  

Senior Deputy District Attorney Jodee Jackson presented the case to the Grand Jury. The Grand Jury reviewed surveillance video of the incidents and heard sworn testimony from two instructional aides who were present in the classroom at the time, the school principal, the deputy who investigated the incidents, and the parents of the injured students.

The incident in question resulted in injuries to two students, including one broken arm and a minor laceration that did not require stitches. The injuries occurred in a heavily padded room where the students were playing around large cylindrical mats. Activities included throwing balls and frisbees, wrestling, and other physical games involving both classmates and the instructional aides.

The injuries took place while the students were positioned behind the cylindrical mats. Although the instructional aides who were the subject of the criminal investigation were observed pushing the mats while interacting with the students shortly before the injuries occurred, there is not enough evidence to show that the two instructional aides did anything meaning to intentionally harm the students.  The injured students and their families may have the option to pursue civil remedies if they elect to do so.

The investigation involving Nathan Terrance Williams, a 35-year-old teacher at Fremont Middle School employed by the Roseburg School District, is ongoing. Williams has been charged with official misconduct and harassment. The matter will be presented to the Grand Jury in the near future, and the case remains pending.

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Contact Information:       Jodee Jackson, Douglas County Senior Deputy District Attorney, (541) 440-4388