The Bonnyville RCMP have charged a local teacher with multiple sexual offences following an investigation prompted by a concerned parent.
On September 5, Bonnyville RCMP were contacted by a parent who reported inappropriate contact between a teacher and a student. According to the RCMP, they were advised that the incident occurred at the end of August, where the teacher sexually assaulted the student, with authorities saying the teacher then paid the student money in an attempt to prevent them from disclosing the incident.
Following the investigation, on September 6, Bonnyville RCMP arrested Janelle Arnold, a 35-year-old teacher from Duclos School. Arnold has been charged with two criminal offences, sexual assault and sexual interference.
Arnold appeared before a Justice of the Peace and was released on a release order with conditions. She is scheduled to appear in court on October 1, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Bonnyville.
The victim, according to the RCMP, is not a current student of either Duclos School or Janelle Arnold.
The Bonnyville RCMP are urging anyone who may have experienced or witnessed similar incident to come forward. They are offering support to survivors and are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Bonnyville RCMP at 780-343-7200.
