Former North Vancouver Catholic school teacher charged with sexually assaulting student

WARNING: This article deals with sexual assault and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.

A former teacher in a North Vancouver independent school run by the local Catholic archdiocese has been charged with sexually assaulting a student.

North Vancouver RCMP say the alleged crimes occurred while Anthony IgnazioVesco, 42,was teaching at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School between 2017 and 2019.

He was charged on May 2 with sexual exploitation and sexual assault, and a Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest.

A month later, on June 6, he was arrested by police in Windsor, Ont.Police say they are aware of social media discussions between people who may have been impacted or had knowledge of the incident and are asking for anyone who knows more to come forward.

"Our priorities right now are to speak with those who have not yet come forward, to gather all available evidence, and to support the victim as we undergo this process,"said Const. Mansoor Sahak in a statement. "For some, hearing about this may reignite memories of past trauma. If you are a victim of sexual assault, please, reach out for support."

Mounties are asking any witnesses, or anyone with more information, to call them at604-985-1311 and quote file number 22-1350.

St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School is an independent school which serves around 600 students, according to its website. It is run by the Catholic Independent Schools of the VancouverArchdiocese (CISVA).

In a statement, the CISVAsaid that Vesco taught at the school between September 2017 and June 2019.

"This news is deeply upsetting, and our hearts and prayers are with those affected," the statement said, adding that the district and school were co-operating with the police investigation.

Support is available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. You can access crisis lines and local support services through this Government of Canada website or the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.