An elementary school teacher in Brocket, Alta., is facing child sexual exploitation charges after an investigation by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT).
The investigation was launched in July 2017, when ALERT’s Internet child exploitation unit received a referral from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children about a social media user uploading child exploitation materials. The unit launched an investigation to identify the user, and only recently learned the suspect was a teacher, said Const. Jason Richmond.
“For the giant portion of the investigation, we had no idea who could have been behind the keyboard at that point, and then we found out a couple of days prior to yesterday,” said Richmond.
Computers and electronic devices were seized from the suspect’s home in Pincher Creek and will be subject to forensic examination.
Mark Anderson, 44, was arrested on Jan. 11 and is charged with possessing, accessing and distributing child pornography.
According to ALERT, Anderson is a teacher at Brocket Elementary School and is also involved in various Piikani Nation youth-oriented community programs, including minor sports and Scouts Canada.
The Peigan Board of Education said in a statement that it has suspended the employee and that he will not be allowed to return to the school, will not be in contact with students and will not be allowed on board of education property.
“The safety and well-being of our Piikani Nation students and children is our highest priority,” superintendent Lisa Crowshoe said.
“(The board of education) wishes to assure parents, families and communities that we are, and will be, diligent in keeping our Piikani children thriving while attending our schools.”
The board said a letter will be sent home to parents and families informing them that counselling and other supports will be provided at the school for students, families and staff.
Brocket is located in southwest Alberta between Pincher Creek and Fort Macleod.
Anderson is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 30.