High school teacher suspended for alleged relationship with student
Posted May 31, 2017 1:01 pm.
Last Updated May 31, 2017 5:02 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A physical education teacher at Bishop McNally High School has been formally charged after he allegedly began an inappropriate relationship with a student over a decade ago.
Edwin Cay Arias, 45, is accused of sexual assault and sexual contact with a youth by a person with authority.
The woman came forward back in January, with the alleged relationship starting in 2007 when she was 14 years old, continuing until 2009.
Staff Sgt. Dominic Mayhew said victims process differently.
“At the time when victims feel that they’re in position or comfortable with coming forward, we encourage all people, regardless of when the offence occurred to come forward and to let police know,” Mayhew said.
There is no statute of limitations on sexual assault offences.
Mayhew said the issue of consent is approached differently when it comes to a person put in a position of trust.
“We understand that students are engaging in relationships with students all the time,” he said. “This is a circumstance where that relationship exceeded what is normally the case and crossed the threshold of something that is criminal.”
Police are not aware of any other victims, but encourage anyone with information to come forward.
The Calgary Catholic School District is calling it a terribly unfortunate day at Bishop McNally and resources are being made available to the students.
Director of Communications Tania van Brunt said Arias is suspended with pay and explained why he was still allowed to work up until the charges were laid, despite being informed about the investigation three months ago.
“Obviously the safety of our students is our top priority and it’s a difficult situation, of course, so we worked with the Calgary Police Service and they felt there was no immediate risk to students in the building,” she said, adding the historical nature of the allegations was also a factor.
She called the news sad and shocking.
“This came as a complete surprise to us,” she said. “There is absolutely no record of any issues with this teacher and he was very well-liked.”
Letters are going out to parents, who can reach out to the school principal or Calgary police with questions or concerns.
