Two Roseburg School Assistants Arrested After Children Suffer Injuries During Class, Deputies Say

By Lucille McNamara On Feb 14, 2026 Last updated Feb 14, 2026

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Following an investigation into the suspicious injuries of two children at a school for special learning needs in Roseburg, two teacher assistants were arrested on Thursday by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Erich Michael Hoque (23) and Brian Joseph Marsters (60), both of Roseburg, are lodged in the Douglas County Jail on charges of fourth-degree assault and first-degree official misconduct.

Tidings Context

Fourth degree assault covers causing physical injury, while first degree official misconduct alleges a public servant knowingly misused duties with intent to obtain a benefit or harm another.

One Child Had Broken Bones and the Other a Laceration Requiring Sutures

School administrators at the Developmental Learning Center at Fremont Middle School notified the deputies on Tuesday that two students had sustained injuries during the school day. One child had sustained broken bones, and the other had a laceration requiring sutures.

Deputies determined that both children had been observed at different times playing behind large rolled-up mats next to a wall during a physical education class.

Tidings Insight

Prosecutors can file both because the injury allegation is separate from the job role claim. Official misconduct focuses on misuse of authority or duties, even if the assault charge later changes.

Marsters, an instructional assistant employed by the school, allegedly ran at high speed and slammed into the mat, pinning the first child between the mat and the wall, resulting in his injury. The second child was injured in a similar manner by another instructional assistant, Hoque.

When questioned by deputies, both men denied causing injuries to the two children and were arrested without incident when taken into custody on Thursday.