Catholic teacher from York accused of sexually abusing student

A York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) teacher has been accused of sexually assaulting a teenage student, police said.

York Police began an investigation June 5 after a student reported being sexually assaulted by a teacher, police said in a news release Friday.

The suspect, a 47-year-old Toronto man, has worked as a high school teacher for 22 years.

Police said he was working at a YCDSB school when he was charged and was a teacher at the victim’s school.

The suspect faces three charges each of sexual assault and sexual exploitation. He has also been charged with enticing a child, the release said.

Police said they are not releasing the name and location of the school to protect the victim’s identity.

The suspect is currently on leave from the YCDSB, said Mark Brosens, the school board’s senior manager of brand, marketing and communications.

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff is the YCDSB’s top priority,” Brosens said in an email to CBC Toronto on Friday.

“We take this matter very seriously and the YCDSB is cooperating fully with York Regional Police, the Children’s Aid Society and the Ontario College of Teachers.”

Anyone with information about this or other incidents is asked to contact police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.