A former Catholic high school teacher who taught in Etobicoke and downtown Toronto is facing more charges in connection with an ongoing investigation into luring and child sexual exploitation.
In October, police said 46-year-old Gerrard McGilly was arrested and charged with six offences, including luring a child, sexual exploitation, and making child pornography.
Police confirmed Monday that McGilly has been re-arrested after two more alleged victims came forward.
Investigators are now alleging that between September 2015 and June 2017, McGilly used social media to communicate with a girl using the username ‘thepirateubuddha.’ Police allege he sent her pornographic images and on several occasions, engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with the girl.
In May 2017, he reportedly inappropriately communicated with another girl using social media.
On Nov. 30, McGilly was charged with 10 additional offences in connection with the two new alleged victims, investigators said.
None of the charges have been proven in court.
The new charges include two counts of luring a child under 18, attempted sexual exploitation, sexual exploitation, two counts of making child pornography, distributing child pornography, accessing child pornography, and making sexual exploitation material available to a child.
McGilly, according to police, previously worked as a teacher at Bishop Allen Academy on Royal York Road in Etobicoke from 2008 to 2017. Before that he worked at Bishop Morrocco/ Thomas Merton Catholic high school from 2007 to 2008.
McGilly also worked as an education assistant at St. Francis Xavier Secondary School in Mississauga from 1995 to 2000 and was employed as an administrator at St. Francis Table, a community outreach centre in Parkdale, from 2000 to 2006.
McGilly is not currently working as a teacher, Det. Paul Krawczyk told reporters at a news conference on Monday.
Krawczyk said police are concerned there are more victims who have not yet come forward.
“We had some (possible victims) contact us at the office and stated that they weren’t ready to come forward,” he added.
McGilly is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing at some point today.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board said McGilly was “removed from his position” following October’s charges.
"The updated news provided by the Toronto Police Service regarding Mr. Gerard McGilly is deeply disturbing and shocking,” a statement from the board reads. “These additional charges are very serious and the Board continues to cooperate fully with the investigation.
“We want to reassure our parents and students that these allegations are not reflective of the caring and compassionate teaching professionals who work in our schools. The safety and wellbeing of all students remains our top priority. We will have counsellors available to any students and staff who may need support.”
