Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
In a Monday news release, CPS said the victim, who is now an adult, came forward in 2023.
She reported multiple instances of sexual assault between 2000 and 2003 when her teacher began an inappropriate relationship with her.
Police believe the assaults started when the victim was 14 years old, as a student at École Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys, and continued for several years.
“It is believed the teacher used his position of trust to befriend the victim and develop an ongoing sexual relationship with her,” CPS said in the release.
“Several of the assaults are believed to have taken place in his vehicle and at his residence.”
École Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys is seen in this photo taken on May 6, 2024. (Teri Fikowski/CTV News)
Police have charged Mario Joseph Denis Arsenault, 54, of Levis, Que., with two counts of sexual exploitation and one count of sexual assault.
He is scheduled to appear in court on June 6.
“It takes immense courage for victims of sexual assault to come forward to police, especially when they experience exploitation by someone whom they trust,” said Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson of the Calgary Police Service sexual assault investigations unit.
“Young people cannot give free and informed consent for any sexual activity with a person in a position of trust and authority over them, regardless of whether they say they agree to it or not.”
In a statement, FrancoSud, Calgary’s Francophone school board, said it is “deeply shocked and saddened” by the allegations.
“This teacher worked at Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys School from 2000 to 2017 and the offences took place from 2000 to 2003,” the statement reads.
“We thank the Calgary Police Service for their dedication and ongoing work to charge and arrest this individual, who is currently residing in Quebec.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
Three people shot to death in tiny South Dakota town; former mayor charged
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
It’s the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes and kickstarted a media storm. And now the double-level seat is back – only this time, with a twist.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
'Son of Sam' killer Berkowitz denied parole in 12th attempt
'Son of Sam' killer David Berkowitz, who set New York City on edge with late-night shootings in the 1970s, was denied parole after his twelfth board appearance.
DEVELOPING Trump prosecutor focuses on 'cover-up' in closing arguments while defence attacks key witness
Donald Trump's landmark hush money trial turns on the testimony of a prosecution witness who told lies on the stand and cannot be trusted, a defence lawyer said Tuesday during closing arguments.