Achi news desk-
Calgary police have charged a teacher for allegedly sexually assaulting a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
In a news release on Monday, the CPS said the victim, now an adult, came forward in 2023.
She reported several cases of sexual assault between 2000 and 2003 when her teacher began an inappropriate relationship with her.
Police believe the attacks began when the victim was 14 years old, as a student at École Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys, and continued for several years.
“It is believed that the teacher used her position of trust to befriend the victim and develop an ongoing sexual relationship with her,” CPS said in the statement.
“It is believed that a number of the attacks took place in his vehicle and at his home.”
École Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys is seen in this photo taken on May 6, 2024. (Teri Fikowski/CTV News)
Police have charged Mario Joseph Denis Arsenault, 54, of Levis, Que., with two counts of sexual exploitation and one count of sexual assault.
He is expected to appear in court on June 6.
“It takes tremendous courage for victims of sexual assault to come forward to the police, especially when they experience exploitation by someone they trust,” said Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson of the Calgary Police Service’s sexual assault investigations unit.
“Young people cannot give free and informed consent for any sexual activity with a person in a position of trust and authority over them, whether they say they agree to it or not.”
Anyone with information about this incident should contact police at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via Tackle the Tackle.
