Calgary elementary school principal facing child pornography charges
Posted Apr 29, 2024 10:52 am.
Last Updated Apr 29, 2024 7:06 pm.
A principal at a Calgary Catholic elementary school has been charged with possessing and accessing child pornography, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) says.
Bruce Campbell was employed as the principal at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Calgary’s southwest.
The 61-year-old was charged on April 16.
He allegedly uploaded child sexual abuse materials via Skype and ALERT was notified via the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre back in January.
A number of phones and computers were seized from Campbell’s home during a search.
Investigators have since found child sexual abuse materials on his work-issued cellphone.
While the investigation and charges are related to online offences, the nature of Campbell’s work placed him in a position of trust and authority.
The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) says in a statement to CityNews it is shocked and saddened by the situation.
“This principal is no longer employed at our district. We take these allegations very seriously and are fully cooperating with ALERT in their investigation,” it continued. “The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. District counsellors are available as always to support students.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with anyone who has been impacted.”
CCSD and ALERT are encouraging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact police. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.
He was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions and is set to appear in court on May 10.
CityNews has learned Campbell was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.
The medal was created to mark the 70th anniversary of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada, according to the Province of Alberta.
The province says the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal was a tangible way for Alberta to honour Her late Majesty’s service to Canada.
