Child pornography charges laid against Lethbridge teacher

A 37-year-old teacher from Lethbridge,Alta., has been charged withpossessing, accessing and distributing child pornographyfollowing an investigation by the Internet Child Exploitation Team (ICE).

Dwayne Schnell, who teaches grades seven to 12 at coleLa Vrendrye, was arrested on Feb. 22 with the assistance of Lethbridge police.

"Currently we're in the early stages of our investigation and we strongly encourage the public or anyone with information or concerns to contact the police immediately,"said Const. Jason Richmond with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams, which includes ICE.

"Part of our investigation will include a forensic examination of the computer devices and electronics seized from Mr. Schnell's residence."

Potential for more charges

The investigation continues, according to the release, and further charges "are being contemplated."

The investigation began in January when ICE was alerted by the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children to a social media user who was uploading child pornography.

Daniel Therrien, the superintendent of the Conseil ScolaireFrancoSud, which operatescoleLaVrendrye, said they are cooperating with police and that parents have been notified.

"The school board's first priority isand always has beenthe safety and the well-being of the students," he said.

"I couldn't believe that it was happening at our little school, that one out of 12 teachers would be under suspicion of child pornography."

Heis expected to make his first court appearance on Thursday.

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