Court postpones PEI substitute teacher’s case on sex charges until September 23

A 39-year-old man from Cornwall, PEI, will appear in court again on September 23 to choose whether he wants his case to be heard by a provincial court, a Superior Court judge or a judge and jury at the Supreme Court level.

Matthew Alan Craswell faces a number of charges:

• sexual exploitation
• sexual assault
• sexual interference
• possession of child pornography
• distribution of child pornography

Craswell was not present at Monday’s trial; his attorney appeared on his behalf.

The suspect was initially arrested on August 8 on suspicion of child pornography, but was released after appearing in court.

A few days later, based on new information about an incident that had occurred in April 2024 while Craswell was working as a substitute, he was arrested again by police and the other charges were filed.

PEI’s Public Schools Department told CBC News that Craswell will not be considered for future employment while the investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing.

“This individual was a certified substitute teacher who worked occasionally when called upon to cover for other teachers,” a board spokesperson said in an Aug. 13 email. “As a certified substitute teacher, he was authorized to teach all grade levels.”

According to the agency, he should undergo a vulnerable sector check every two years.

“PSB staff have contacted the RCMP and will assist with their investigation as needed,” the statement said.