Ottawa police charge teacher with possession and distribution of child sexual abuse materials

Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (CTV News Ottawa)

An Ottawa teacher is facing child sexual abuse and exploitation material charges, the Ottawa Police Service says.

Ottawa police say Stephen Patrick Ruth, 39, was arrested and charged on Thursday. He is being charged with distributing and possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

Police say Ruth used the following online usernames: STEVERUTH, mrruthio and mrsruthio86.

Ruth appeared before court on Thursday afternoon and the investigation is ongoing.

In a statement to CTV News, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) said the individual was placed on leave the moment the school board was made aware of the charges.

The OCDSB says they have deployed supports to students and staff at the school.

Anyone with information relevant to the case is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5660 or [e-mail].

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-877 or crimestoppers.ca.

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