Rodney Eckert, a former elementary school principal in Kitchener, Ont., will spend 33 months behind bars at a federal penitentiary after he was found guilty of sexual assault, sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching. Two of the three incidents happened at Saint John Paul II Catholic Elementary School between 2021 and 2022. In one, the 60-year-old touched a student’s penis and testicles. Court heard that while examining a boy after an accident, he laughed and commented, “Is it always that big?” His lawyer argued Eckert was only referring to swelling and touched the student’s testicles out of concern for his physical wellbeing. The student testified in court that he felt the comment was in reference to his penis. The second incident happened in a changeroom at the school. Eckert gave a student, who was muddy, a change of clothes. Court heard Eckert pulled down the child’s shorts from behind, exposing their buttocks, and said, “look at that white butt.” The third incident, in 2023, involved an online conversation between Eckert, who was at that time retired, and a male student. Eckert admitted in court he made some “blatant” errors and acted “impulsively.” Sentencing decision Justice Frances Brennan sentenced Eckert to 990 days, or 33 months, in a federal penitentiary. She said it reflected the seriousness of the former principal’s actions. “All of these offenses took place at a school where Mr. Eckert had the duty to ensure the safety of these children,” Justice Brennan explained, adding that she agreed with the Crown that the incidents were “an egregious breach of trust.” The judge said she believed Eckert was genuinely remorseful but disagreed with the former principal’s claim that his actions were “impulsive.” She called it an “extremely concerning pattern of behaviour” and said he “will need to make significant rehabilitative efforts.” Justice Brennan added that it was rare for an offender to apologize and accept responsibility, which she felt would increase his chances of rehabilitation, in addition to counselling. In deciding Eckert’s sentence, the judge said she considered his lack of a criminal record and health concerns. The 60-year-old, a father of two adult children, is currently undergoing treatment for skin cancer. “I accept that Eckert’s time in custody will be tougher due to health issues, compared to a young offender,” Justice Brennan said. Court-ordered restrictions In addition to his sentence, the judge imposed several conditions Eckert will be required to follow once he is released. They include: Eckert is also to have no contact with his victims or their families. Additionally, he will be added to Canada’s National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR). “I must caution you, sir, if you reoffend, the court will have little option but to impose a much longer sentence,” the judge warned. Eckert was then handcuffed and escorted out of the courtroom. As this was happening, a woman shouted out: “Love you, Rod.” —With reporting by Spencer Turcotte and Colton Wiens
