Driver’s Ed Teacher Accused of Sexually Abusing 20 Females
The driving instructor, who was also a church bishop, is accused of sexually abusing at least 20 girls and women who took his class.
A driver’s education teacher in Hillsboro, Oregon, was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing his students.
Detectives say allegations against Paul D. Burdick range from 2012 to 2018 while he was an instructor at Portland Community College’s Willow Creek Center, reports Oregon Live.
According to Deputy Brian van Kleef, Burdick is accused of sexually abusing at least 20 girls or women who took his course and there may be more victims.
Burdick, 48, is accused of groping students during practice or test drives and instructed some girls to perform jumping jacks that he would record on his cellphone.
He is being held on $150,000 bail at the Washington County jail on accusations of third-degree sexual abuse.
Burdick was hired as a part-time driving instructor in April 2012 and was placed on administrative leave in 2018 after a Willow Creek Center student filed a complaint.
He was later fired after following an investigation by the school, said Kate Chester, a Portland Community College spokeswoman.
A search warrant affidavit showed Burdick was previously suspended from his position in 2016 following his arrest in Washington County on suspicion of groping three 16-year-old girls during lessons.
The case was later dismissed after the DA’s office failed to file criminal charges, the affidavit said.
Most recently, an investigation began after a 15-year-old girl reported misconduct by Burdick, leading her parents to contact the college.
The girl described to investigators how Burdick grabbed her repeatedly while she was driving and continuously stared at her chest.
Burdick was also a bishop of the Hillsboro Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church removed Burdick once it was notified of the allegations against him.
There is no indication at this point that he abused anyone in relation to the church.
If you appreciated this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
About the Author
Katie Malafronte, Web Editor
Katie Malafronte is Campus Safety's Web Editor. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2017 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Writing & Rhetoric. Katie has been CS's Web Editor since 2018.
Related Content
Leading in Turbulent Times: Effective Campus Public Safety Leadership for the 21st Century
This new webcast will discuss how campus public safety leaders can effectively incorporate Clery Act, Title IX, customer service, “helicopter” parents, emergency notification, town-gown relationships, brand management, Greek Life, student recruitment, faculty, and more into their roles and develop the necessary skills to successfully lead their departments. Register today to attend this free webcast!
