Music teacher charged for alleged sex abuse with students dating back years

• UPDATE |On Feb. 12, 2021, a judge found Gerard Loehr guilty of four counts of sexually touching someone under the age of 14, two counts of sexually touching someone under the age of 16and one count of sexual assault.He was sentenced to three-and-a-halfyears in custody.
• On May 26, 2023, Loehrwas found guilty of professional misconduct by the Ontario College of Teachersand his teaching licence was revoked.

An Ottawa music teacher is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting children dating back to the year 2000.

Police announced Friday thatthey have charged 56-year-old Gerard Loehr with five counts of sexual assault and five counts of sexual interference after an investigation that began in May.

The charges involve five children who were students of his, police said.

In a statement issued Friday, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board said it has been co-operating with police since the investigation began, and that Loehr was "removed from the classroom" and will remain out of the classroom "until the conclusion of this matter through the courts.

"These are very serious and troubling charges involving children," the statement added.

The board also said it gets in touch with the Ontario College of Teachers in casessuch as these to determine whether any further employment-related action is needed.

Investigatorsbelieve there may be more cases to investigate, and police are asking anyone with information to call them at 613-236-1222, extension 5760, or providean anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.