The Ottawa Catholic School Board says Jessica Beraldin has been suspended. (Twitter) (CBC News website 01 April 2016)
Jessica Beraldin
30-year old teacher at Mother Theresa High School in Barrhaven Ontario charged 31 March 2016 with with sexual assault, sexual exploitation and making sexually explicit material available to a child. The gender and age of the student in question is unknown at this time.
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Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Ottawa police Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944 or phone CrimeStoppers at 613-233-8477 (toll free at 1-800-222-8477).
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Female Catholic board teacher charged with sexual assault on student
A 30-year-old female teacher at Mother Teresa High School in Barrhaven is facing sex charges after allegedly being involved in a sexual relationship with one of her students.
Jessica Beraldin, who teaches intermediate grades, appeared in court Friday on charges of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and making sexually explicit material available to a child. She was released on bail after posting a $1,000 bond.
Beraldin was suspended by the board after the preliminary investigation by police. The charges date back to July 5, 2014. Police also say Beraldin allegedly sent a student sexually explicit material between Dec. 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016.
“Through the evidence that investigators found, she was on duty, so it was during her work that these incidents happened,” said Const. Chuck Benoit.
Police are also concerned that there may be more victims.
“The investigators found stuff during their investigation that didn’t link to other ones (victims), but there is the possibility of other ones,” Benoit said. “Throughout their investigation they had that concern, so they wanted to push this out to the public.”
In a statement, the Ottawa Catholic School Board said it was “deeply sorry” to learn of the charges.
“I truly regret that such conduct has allegedly occurred at one of our schools,” director of education Denise André said in a statement. “The number one priority for our board is the continued safety and well-being of each student. We will continue to co-operate with the police in their investigation of this matter. As a Catholic community we will pray for all the persons affected by this difficult situation.”
The board says counselling will be available to students at the school and their families and also urged students to refrain from speculating about the case on social media. The board also urged other students who may have been victims to go to police.
Beraldin’s bail conditions ban her from being in a position of authority or trust, and prohibit her from being near parks or pools where minors play.
Beraldin has a BA from Carleton University and graduated with her teaching degree from the University of Ottawa in 2011, according to her entry on the Ontario College of Teachers website. She is qualified to teach primary and intermediate grades, with additional certification for French as a second language and religious studies. The college lists her as a member “in good standing.”
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Ottawa police Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944 or phone CrimeStoppers at 613-233-8477 (toll free at 1-800-222-8477).
bcrawford@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/getBAC
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Jessica Beraldin, Ottawa teacher, accused of sexually assaulting student
Alleged relationship began while accused was teaching at Ottawa Catholic School Board, police say
CBC News Posted: Apr 01, 2016 10:45 AM ET Last Updated: Apr 01, 2016 5:19 PM ET
Suspended Mother Teresa High School teacher Jessica Beraldin leaves court with her lawyer. She is charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation and making sexually explicit material available to a child. (Judy Trinh/CBC)A 30-year-old Ottawa teacher has been charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation and making sexually explicit material available to a child, police say.
Jessica Beraldin was charged Thursday and appeared in court Friday, where she was released after a surety posted $1,000.
Police allege a “sexual relationship” began between Beraldin and one of her students while Beraldin was employed by the Ottawa Catholic School Board.
The court ordered her to have no contact with the alleged victim in person, electronically or through social media. She also can’t go near parks or anyplace where children under 16 are present unless her surety is with her.
The investigation began in mid-March. Police would not say when the relationship is alleged to have occurred.
The incident occurred at the school during business hours, according to Ottawa Police Const. Chuck Benoit.
Investigators say there could be more victims.
Teacher suspended, school board says
The Ottawa Catholic School Board says Jessica Beraldin has been suspended. (Twitter)
Beraldin taught students from Grade 7 to 9 at Mother Teresa High School. The school board said she has been suspended with pay.
Denise Andre, the school board’s director of education, said in a statement the board was co-operating with police.
“I truly regret that such conduct has allegedly occurred at one of our schools. The number 1 priority for our board is the continued safety and well-being of each student,” she said in the statement.
Students who Beraldin taught in past years at the school say they are shocked.
Several students CBC News spoke with said she was their favourite teacher and “more of a friend than a teacher.”
“If you had problems, you could discuss it with her,” said one male student.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa police sexual assault and child abuse unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944, or phone Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) — toll free at 1-800-222-8477.
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Catholic School teacher charged with sex assault
CFRA
Ottawa Police have laid sexual assault charges against a woman who was employed as a teacher.
Jessica Beraldin, 30, is accused of having a sexual relationship with one of her students when she was a teacher with the Ottawa Catholic School Board.
According to police, she has been charged with Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation and Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child.
Investigators are worried there may be other victims.
Anyone with information should contact the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944 or phone Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.