School Board Mum on Employee's Charges; Court Bans Info That Could Identify Victim

BGCDSB and Owen Sound Police Service tight-lipped on nature of the charges levied against a school board employee; will not disclose the nature of the suspect's employment.

Owen Sound Courthouse. Image: Google Maps

The Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board (BGCDSB) employee charged in relation to an ongoing criminal investigation appeared in court in Owen Sound today, where a publication ban was imposed prohibiting the publication, broadcasting, or transmission of any information that could identify the victim.

The Owen Sound Current asked both the Owen Sound Police Service (OSPS) and BGCDSB about the nature of the charges.

We also inquired with BGCDSB whether the accused was a teacher at a local school, after parents received a letter about the charges.

Sam Goving, Communications and Training Services Manager for BGCDSB, responded by email but declined to provide the requested information about the accused.

“We can confirm that the individual is a staff member with our board and was placed on leave when allegations were made. As this is an active legal matter, we are unable to comment further on the specifics of the case,” Goving responded.

OSPS Chief Craig Ambrose directed us to the media release, which stated, “Due to the publication ban and the ongoing nature of the investigation, no further details will be released at this time.”

However, this type of information has been released previously. In 2019, for example, a teacher in the neighbouring Bluewater District School Board was charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation, reportedly involving a minor. That teacher was later convicted and sentenced to 22 months in jail.

There was a publication ban on information that would identify or tend to identify the victim(s) in that case, as well.

OSPS said their Criminal Investigation Branch is asking any potential witnesses to come forward, despite “recognizing that only limited information can be disclosed.”

Investigators are also encouraging any other potential victims to come forward.

Information can be reported directly to the Owen Sound Police Service. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers.