Sarnia Police clarify publication ban confusion following teacher arrest

The Sarnia Police Service says information released about a local teacher charged with multiple sexual offences was lawful and not subject to a court-ordered publication ban, after the post was […]

The Sarnia Police Service says information released about a local teacher charged with multiple sexual offences was lawful and not subject to a court-ordered publication ban, after the post was briefly removed while officers verified the situation.

Police said an earlier media release, posted Feb. 21, was temporarily removed after officers received a telephone notification suggesting a publication ban “may have been imposed." Because courts were closed for the weekend and no written order was immediately available, the post was taken down “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the statement.

The service now says the ban in question is a Criminal Code Section 517 publication ban, which applies specifically to evidence and information presented during bail hearings. Police maintain their original release did not include any bail-hearing material and only outlined the charges, investigative context, and operational steps, which they say are not restricted under that provision. The original information has since been reposted.

The accused, a 33-year-old Sarnia resident employed as a teacher, faces multiple charges including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, making child pornography, and break and enter with intent. He was arrested Feb. 20 following the execution of a search warrant and remains in custody after a bail hearing.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing and are asking anyone with information or who may have been affected to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers anonymously.