'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
NEW She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.
NEW A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
'We were vetted': Sex-ed organization 'disappointed' over Higgs' comments
The head of a Quebec-based sexual and reproductive health organization says she's disappointed New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has deemed presentations she did in the province last week inappropriate.
Cyclone floods coastal villages, blows away thatched roofs and cuts power in Bangladesh and India
A cyclone flooded coastal villages, blew away thatched roofs and left hundreds of thousands of people without power Monday in southern Bangladesh and eastern India. At least seven deaths were reported.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
DEVELOPING Indigo Books & Music shareholders to vote on privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders are expected to vote this morning on whether the retailer should accept a sweetened offer from a holding company that plans to take the bookstore chain private.