Teacher arrested and charged with sexual abuse of a minor in Webequie First Nation

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Webequie, ON – October 7, 2024 – A teacher has been arrested and charged with sexual assault following an investigation into allegations involving a minor in Webequie First Nation.

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) launched an investigation in September 2024 after receiving reports of sexual assault against a 15-year-old male youth in the community. The investigation revealed that the suspect, a teacher in Webequie, allegedly assaulted the juvenile.

The NAPS Northwest Crime Unit joined the investigation, which led to the issuance of an arrest warrant. On Sunday, October 6, police arrested 26-year-old Noah John Sisson of Holland Landing, Ontario, without incident.

Costs and possible penalties:

Sisson faces the following charges:

• Sexual violence against a person under the age of 16: This charge covers any non-consensual sexual contact with a person under the age of 16. If convicted, the maximum penalty is 10 years in prison.
• Invitation for sexual touching under the age of 16: This charge includes inviting, advising or inciting a person under the age of 16 to directly or indirectly touch the body of a person for sexual purposes. The maximum penalty is 14 years in prison.
• Sexual Interference: This charge relates to a range of sexual offenses against children under the age of 16, including touching for sexual purposes, inciting a child to touch for sexual purposes, and sexual exploitation. The maximum penalty is 14 years in prison.

Court appearance and ongoing investigation:

Sisson appeared in court on Monday, October 7 for a bail hearing and was remanded in custody pending a future court hearing.

The investigation is ongoing and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

“Investigators urge anyone with information, or who may have been a victim or knows of possible victims, to contact the NAPS Northwest Crime Unit. at (807) 623-2161 ext. 6114,” said a police representative.

Individuals can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com.