A Cambridge, Ont. man who works as a vice-principal at an elementary school has been arrested for multiple charges involving child sexual assault and exploitation material and child luring.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service said they worked with the Greater Sudbury Police and Toronto Police Service to investigate allegations regarding child sexual abuse and exploitation material and child luring.
Charges involving child sexual abuse and exploitation material formerly used the term “child pornography.”
On Friday, Michel Pleau, a 50-year-old from Cambridge, was charged with possession of child sexual assault and exploitation material, making child sexual assault and exploitation material, distribution of child sexual assault and exploitation material, making sexually explicit material available to a child, invitation to sexual touching and luring a child under 16-years-old.
According to the Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s website, he is the vice-principal of St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Kitchener, Ont.
“The Waterloo Catholic District School Board, where Mr. Pleau is employed as a Vice-Principal, has been notified of his arrest. The offences for which Mr. Pleau has been charged do not relate to any Waterloo Catholic District School Board students,” the Waterloo Regional Police Service said.
The school board confirmed they were told about the arrest and charges shortly before the information was publicly released.
“At this time, the extent of our knowledge is consistent with what has been outlined in the WRPS media alert. We do not have additional details to provide,” a statement from the school board said.
“We recognize this is distressing news for members of our school communities. Our focus remains on supporting students, staff, and families as we process this information, and on cooperating with police as the matter proceeds through the legal system,” the statement continued.
On Monday, the school board sent out an update.
“Limited information can be difficult in moments like this,” the updated said, in part. “Our intention is to uphold the integrity of the investigation and the court process. At this time, we do not have additional details beyond what has been communicated by WRPS.”
The update went on to say communication from the school board will continue, and updated will be provide, when it is appropriate to do so.
“We are sincerely grateful for the patience and understanding demonstrated by our families, as we ensure that the information shared is accurate, responsible, and aligned with the legal process,” Monday’s update read.
The school board also said school administrators and staff will be available to students who need support or who may be struggling to process the news.
“Across our system, we are reaffirming and strengthening education related to personal boundaries, consent, digital safety, and healthy relationships. This work is already part of our programming and is delivered in partnership with organizations that specialize in child protection and prevention. In moments like this, we are reminded of the importance of continuing that education with care and clarity,” the update said.
The charges have not been tested in court.
