By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Teacher facing child porn allegations retains lawyer

Feb 27, 2018 | 12:34 PM

PINCHER CREEK – The case has begun to move forward for a 44-year-old teacher on the Piikani Nation, who faces charges of possessing, accessing, and distributing child pornography.

During a brief appearance in Pincher Creek Provincial Court Tuesday, Feb. 27, it was reported to the court that Mark Anderson has retained Lethbridge based lawyer James Rouleau.

Both the Crown prosecutor and an agent appearing for Rouleau, explained that he has ordered disclosure and it has been sent out. The matter was then adjourned to Mar. 27, giving the defence time to review all of the evidence provided by the Crown and decide how they want to proceed.

The charges against Anderson stem from an investigation by the ALERT Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit, which included Pincher Creek and Piikani Nation RCMP, as well as the Lethbridge Police Service.

Anderson was arrested on Jan. 12, but was later released on bail. He is currently suspended by the Peigan Board of Education, and is barred from having any contact with students or going onto school property.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Following the arrest, Cst. Jason Richmond with ALERT told the media that the investigation started in July of 2017, after ICE was informed by the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children about materials that had been uploaded on social media. He said they moved the timeline of their investigation ahead when they learned that Anderson was teaching at the Napi’s Playground Elementary School in Brocket.

Richmond noted that there was no indication of any physical offences. He then added that anyone with information regarding Anderson or the case should come forward, either reporting it to local police or at cybertip.ca.

by Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Teacher facing child porn allegations retains lawyer

What's Happening