'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Bruce Campbell, 61, who was employed as a principal at Calgary's Sacred Heart Elementary School, was arrested and charged with possessing and accessing child pornography on April 16.
In January, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) were notified by the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre after the accused uploaded child sexual abuse materials using Skype.
- Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
“These are very shocking and concerning offences made worse by positions of trust and authority. But at this time we do not believe any of the material is of children at the school,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Auger with ALERT.
Police said they began investigating Campbell in March and traced an image to his work cell phone. Investigators believe these offences are only related to online activities.
Parents were shocked and concerned about the charges when CTV News told them about the investigation. They only knew that the principal retired suddenly earlier this month.
Calgary Catholic School District said it is “shocked and saddened,” adding, “This principal is no longer employed at our district.”
The school board said they are “fully cooperating with ALERT in their investigation.”
ALERT says Campbell's home was searched following his arrest and a number of phones and computers were seized.
"A preliminary forensic analysis of the seized devices found child sexual abuse materials on his work-issued cellphone," officials said.
Campbell worked for Calgary Catholic School District for over 30 years and was awarded a Queen’s Jubilee medal in 2022.
The province said it will not comment on whether or not it might revoke this medal, since this case is before the courts.
Campbell was released from custody on a number of conditions and is expected back in court on May 10.
Police are urging families to teach their kids about the risks of the internet.
“I think the biggest piece is: be aware of where our children are online,” said Auger.
“The internet can be a wonderful education tool but it can also be horrific if we do not monitor what our kids are looking at.”
ALERT's Internet Child Exploitation unit is asking anyone with information about the case to come forward and speak with police by either contacting their local authorities or calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Slovak interior minister says 'lone wolf' has been charged with shooting prime minister
The Slovak interior minister said Thursday that a 'lone wolf' has been charged in the shooting that seriously wounded Prime Minister Robert Fico.
There's a new workers' rights treaty in Canada, but will it actually protect you?
Although a global workers' treaty has been in force in Canada since January, an employment lawyer believes it won't do anything more to protect employees from violence and harassment.
Protecting your car from the growing risk of keyless vehicle thefts
Auto technology has evolved and many newer cars use wireless key fobs and push-button starters instead of traditional metal keys. But that technology also makes things easier for thieves.
Shifting winds mean smokier skies in some parts of Canada, snow in other areas
Air quality warnings are still in place for some areas of Western Canada, according to the latest forecasts.
DEVELOPING Latest updates on the major wildfires currently burning in Canada
Thousands of Canadians have been displaced as fires burn in Alberta, B.C. and Manitoba. Here are the latest updates.
Will jurors believe Michael Cohen? Defense keys on witness' credibility at Trump's hush money trial
With prosecutors' hush money case against Donald Trump barreling toward its end, their star witness will be back in the hot seat Thursday as defense lawyers try to chip away at Michael Cohen's crucial testimony implicating the former president.
U.S. intelligence officials wanted to meet with Transport Canada's UFO 'lead'
Canada's transportation department had a UFO 'lead' who tried to 'quell' media interest and planned to meet with U.S. intelligence officials.
OPINION If you think you can't focus for long, you're right: Sandee LaMotte
Regaining your focus requires you to be mindful of how you are using technology -- a daunting task if you consider the average American spends at least 10 hours a day on screens.
NEW Victoria Day travel plans? Here are some tips for a smooth trip
May 20 is Victoria Day. If you're going across the border this long weekend, follow these tips for a smoother trip.