Waterloo Regional Police have arrested and charged a female teacher from Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge.
Jacqueline Lavigne a teacher and basketball coach is charged with sexual exploitation. Police say the 31-year-old allegedly had inappropriate sexual contact with a male student off school property back in October 2011.
The teacher turned herself over to police last night after they began an investigation into a complaint.
The president of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association Michael Devoy says, "These are just allegations so the teacher is still employed by the board and is currently on leave."
Devoy goes on to say, "Support for the teacher is important, support for the school community as well. When one teacher suffers the entire community suffers."
A publication ban prohibits the media from releasing any of the evidence heard in court.
Teachers have spoken with students about the allegations and counsellors are in place to assist students and staff at the school. Waterloo Catholic District School Board Public Affairs representative John Shewchuk says, "We working on site, working with the students, anybody who needs the help they need to get through this is getting it."
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association has hired a lawyer from Toronto to represent the teacher.
The school board has reported the incident to the Ontario College of Teachers.
Lavigne made a court appearance today and was released on bail. She will be back in court in Kitchener on February 8th
Anyone with information is asked to call the Major Case Unit at 519 650 8500 ext. 8644 or Crime Stoppers 1 800 222 TIPS.
