A Grade 8 science teacher at a Spruce Grove junior high school is at the centre of an RCMP investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation with a young female, CTV News has learned.
The investigation began Thursday after someone spotted a teacher performing an alleged inappropriate act in a Spruce Grove parking lot and contacted police, RCMP said.
Just hours into launching the investigation, RCMP charged a teacher from St. Marguerite Junior High School with two counts of sexual exploitation and two counts of sexual interference.
Sgt. Jim Martin said parents of the girl gathered the information needed to more forward.
"Accumulations of several pieces of physical evidence and her testimony gave us the ability to lay this charge," he said.
Investigators allege the offences occurred during the summer of 2008. The incident does not involve any current students of St. Marguerite Junior High School.
St. Marguerite has about 400 students in Grades 5 to 8.
Officials from the school board say they have suspended the teacher since news of the allegations came out.
Board superintendent Mel Malowany said counselors are at the school to help anyone needing assistance.
"We want to ensure all parents we are committed to the safety of their children, we do believe it is an isolated incident but we are going to investigate it and ensure that all of administrative team take steps to ensure this kind of incident wouldn't occur if indeed it did," he said.
Court documents identify the teacher as 44-year-old Brian Douglas Nickel. RCMP say he is from Edmonton.
School records show Nickel has worked for the Evergreen Catholic Separate School Division for 15 years.
He has been released from RCMP custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 12.
With a report from CTV Edmonton's Kevin Armstrong
