Crossfield teacher accused of sexual assault, exploitation of at least 8 victims: RCMP

An Airdrie man who was teaching at a school in nearby Crossfield is now facing more than a dozen sexual offence charges, RCMP say.

Forty-seven-year-old Rodney Reisner was arrested by Airdrie RCMP Wednesday following an extensive investigation which included several interviews.

Police have since identified eight alleged victims.

The incidents allegedly happened while Reisner was working as a teacher at W.G. Murdoch School in Crossfield.

In a statement posted to its website, Rocky View Schools (RVS) says Reisner has been employed by RVS as a teacher since 2009.

He started at W.G. Murdoch in 2023 and remained at that school until late 2023.

Prior to that, he worked at Airdrie’s George McDougall High School from 2012 to 2014, The Edge School in Rocky View County from 2011 to 2012, Crossfield’s G. Murdoch High School from 2010-2011, and Bert Church High School, also in Airdrie, from 2009-2010.

Reisner has since been unassigned and hasn’t taught in a RVS school since late 2023.

He now faces 16 charges, including eight counts of sexual assault and eight counts of sexual exploitation.

Reisner remains in custody pending a release hearing.

Airdrie RCMP is continuing its investigation and believes there may be more victims. Members of the public are asked to come forward to police with any similar-type incidents.

RVS says it plans to fully co-operate with police throughout the investigation, and supports will be available for students and staff when school returns in the fall.

“The safety and well-being of our students remain at the heart of everything we do,” it said. “We take these charges very seriously and will support W.G. Murdoch High School through this difficult time. We will revisit these plans based on the needs of the school community.”

Airdrie RCMP can be contacted at 403-945-7200 or through CrimeStoppers. Reports can also be made to local police detachments.

Crossfield is about 50 kilometres north of Calgary.