A Forest Hill Collegiate gym teacher who was charged with multiple sex-related offences Wednesday has been granted bail.
The 40-year-old suspect was released on $25,000 bail Thursday afternoon, under the conditions that he not go near the school and that he not be around any minors unless accompanied by his wife. He must also continue to live with his wife at their Toronto home.
Police allege the suspect sexually assaulted a female student sometime in 2011 and then allegedly sexually exploited another female student sometime this month.
The suspect was arrested Wednesday and is currently suspended with pay.
Police believe there may be additional victims.
“Obviously in this case the alleged victims have felt empowered to come forward and complain and whether or not their allegations are true or false, their allegations have been taken seriously and charges have been laid,” Toronto District School Board lawyer Grant Bowers told CP24 Thursday afternoon. “Anyone who is being abused by a person of authority needs to be reassured that their complaints will also be taken seriously. That’s the message we need to get out.”
Bowers said the suspect has taught at Forest Hill Collegiate Institute since 1999 and has volunteered his time as a sports coach in the past.
A meeting will be held at the school to provide information to concerned parents, but it has not yet been scheduled.
A suspect, Christopher Parkin, has been charged with three counts of sexual exploitation and one count of sexual assault.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Four teachers with the Toronto District School Board have been charged with sex-related offences in the last month. The school board employs 35,000 staff members.
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