A teacher has been removed from EJ Dunn Elementary School two weeks before the end of the school year because he is facing child pornography charges, the Alberni Valley News has learned.
Students at E.J. Dunn Elementary School were sent home with a letter on June 14, 2016 signed by School District 70 superintendent Greg Smyth advising parents and guardians of criminal charges laid against teacher Daniel Oliver.
“The Board of Education for School District 70 has been advised of criminal charges under section 163.1 (2) of the Criminal Code of Canada” against Oliver, the letter noted.
That section of the Criminal Code of Canada covers the making, printing, publishing or possession of child pornography for the purposes of publication.
Conviction under this section carries a minimum prison term of one year and a maximum of 14.
The letter also noted that the nature of the criminal charges and the conditions of Oliver’s release prevent him from teaching, effective immediately.
The school district is “led to believe that there is no connection between these charges and SD70 students,” Smyth wrote.
In Oliver’s absence, another teacher will assume responsibility for his class for the final days of the current school year.
Oliver has not been in class since June 9.
The Alberni Valley News is following the story and will continue to post updates at www.albernivalleynews.com.