Substitute teacher faces assault charges

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said 46-year-old Matthew Deryan is in custody on suspicions of assault and unlawful imprisonment while a substitute teacher at Trent Elementary School. At least three sixth-grade students told the principal Deryan had verbally and physically abused them, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The principal also told investigators there were allegations Deryan smelled of alcohol while on school property. Deryan was taken into custody at his home without incident Thursday evening, the Sheriff’s Office said. He was booked into Spokane County Jail just after midnight, according to jail records. East Valley School District Assistant Superintendent Tom Gresch said Thursday that Deryan was barred from East Valley schools as a result of the investigation. Deryan could make a first court appearance on the charges against him as early as this afternoon.