Salem Middle School Teacher Arrested for Abuse of Infant Twins

A middle school math teacher in Salem, Oregon, has been taken into custody for allegedly mistreating his 6-week-old twin children. Authorities reported that the infants showed severe malnourishment and physical injuries upon discovery.

Reece Sorenson, 28, a platoon leader in the US Army Reserve and educator at Parrish Middle School, was arrested on August 13. He faces multiple charges including first-degree criminal mistreatment and unlawful use of a weapon.

The infants were admitted to the hospital with troubling injuries: the baby girl had bruising and bleeding under her tongue after Sorenson allegedly admitted to inserting a rag into her mouth to stop her from crying. The baby boy exhibited bruising around his eyes and multiple fractured ribs. Both children were extremely malnourished, and hospital staff noted that they flinched when approached for feeding.

Sorenson reportedly confessed to investigators that he squeezed his son with his forearms and pressed his knuckles into the child’s stomach to hush him. Staff described the twins as “ravenous and starving” when finally fed.

Sorenson’s wife has reportedly confirmed the accusations. He was released from jail on August 14 and is currently under a no-contact order with his children. He claims to have turned over a new leaf, stating he regrets his actions and is undergoing counseling to better manage his anger.

He also indicated that his teaching license, which expires on August 31, remains in effect. Sorenson’s profile shows he continues to serve as a platoon leader in the US Army Reserve.