Thomas Gowing arrested for statutory rape

Former Eureka High School employee and volunteer Thomas Harlan Gowing was arrested by Arcata Police Department yesterday for PC 261.5 (c) statutory rape. After my post, EHS and APD issued  press releases.

EHS Press Release (2/1)

Eureka City Schools (ECS) is aware of the arrest of Thomas Harlan Gowing. Gowing was a former coach and volunteer for wrestling at Eureka High School (EHS). Gowing has not worked in a paid or volunteer capacity in ECS since June 2022.

ECS supports the investigation with the Arcata Police Department, as student safety is the District’s top priority.

“The safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount,” said Rob Standish, EHS Principal. “Any EHS student who may be directly or indirectly impacted by this incident is encouraged to contact the EHS Counseling Office at 707-441-0262 for support.”

Inappropriate relationships between minors and adults will not be tolerated. ECS supports the efforts of law enforcement to prosecute this individual to the fullest extent of the law.

APD Press Release (2/1):

On January 26, 2023, the Eureka Police Department (EPD) notified the Arcata Police Department (APD) they had initiated an investigation into allegations of sexual assault, involving a former Eureka High School (EHS) assistant wrestling coach, and a female student who has since graduated and is now an adult. Because the criminal allegations took place in the City of Arcata, APD took the lead on the investigation and continued to work collaboratively with EPD.

On January 30, 2023, APD arrested 34-year-old Thomas Harlan Gowing without incident. Gowing was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for multiple violations of Penal Code Section 261.5(C)-Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor.

Gowing has had no association with EHS since June 2022.

The Arcata Police Department encourages anyone with information on this case, or any associated allegations against Gowing, to contact the Arcata Police Department’s Investigations Unit, at 707-822-2424.

APD thanks the Eureka Police Department, Eureka High School, and the North Coast Rape Crisis Team for their assistance in this matter..

 2/2: Gowing was arraigned today. Will add dates and attorney information.