A Bradford West Gwillimbury man charged in an OPP child exploitation investigation was a teacher at four schools total in York Region — two more than initially reported.
The 30-year-old man was a permanent, full-time teacher at Stonehaven Elementary School in Newmarket before being charged with two counts of luring a person under 16, sexual interference and attempted sexual assault.
“We have been ensured by police … these charges are not at all related to his employment,” said Licinio Miguelo, senior manager of communications at the York Region District School Board.
He was also previously a teacher at Maple Leaf Public School, Crossland Public School, both in Newmarket, and at Discovery Public School in Maple, Miguelo said.
“Most of our teachers start their career as occasional (or supply) teachers … so they work at a variety of locations,” he said.
According to the Ontario College of Teachers, the man is in good standing and got his bachelor of education from York University in 2012 to teach primary and junior divisions.
Between 2012 and 2016, the teacher earned qualifications for teaching special education, religious studies, vocal and instrumental music, and math, read the Ontario College of Teachers website.
Letters were sent home to parents of students at all four schools, Miguelo said.
“This has been very upsetting to our school community,” read a letter supplied to BradfordToday that was sent from Stonehaven’s principal and vice principal. “(The accused) has been one of our teachers, however, has not been at Stonehaven E.S. since mid-November. Our school will continue to take all reasonable measures to ensure student safety and well-being.”
He is expected to make his first appearance in a Newmarket court Dec. 18.
