A 29-year-old teacher in Cobalt, Ont. has been charged with two counts of Internet luring and one count of juvenile prostitution following an investigation by Ontario Provincial Police.
The Child Sexual Exploitation Section of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Temiskaming OPP detachment arrested the man after a month-long online investigation.
A search warrant executed on Dec. 16 resulted in the seizure of a laptop and desktop computer, and the arrest of the accused.
In the previous month, the accused allegedly had sexually explicit conversations with local girls via Facebook, and in one of these conversations, allegedly offered a 15-year-old money to perform sexual acts.
The man, who has been employed as a supply teacher for the past year and a half with the District School Board Ontario North East and the Northeastern District Catholic School Board, was released on bail with conditions to not communicate with anyone under 16 years of age.
When on the Internet, the accused utilized the screen name "Tyson Peltier." The OPP stated in a press release that there is no indication that employment as a teacher played any role in the alleged incidents.
The OPP remind parents to be aware of their children's online usage. For safe Internet tips and further information, visit the OPP website at www.opp.ca.
Anyone with further information regarding these incidents are asked to contact the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Section at 416-235-4552.
