By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Teacher facing child porn charges makes first court appearance

Jan 30, 2018 | 11:52 AM

PINCHER CREEK – A 44-year old teacher on the Piikani Nation facing child pornography charges made his first appearance in Pincher Creek Provincial Court Tuesday morning, Jan. 30.

Mark Anderson, a Pincher Creek resident, appeared with assistance from duty counsel, Marshall Gourlay, as he has not yet retained a lawyer. He faces charges of possessing, accessing and distributing child porn.

Speaking on the accused’s behalf, Gourlay explained that an adjournment was necessary so Anderson would have time to find and fully retain legal representation. Hearing that, and with the consent of the Crown prosecutor, the judge adjourned the matter to Feb. 27.

It was also noted by Gourlay that he would leave it to Anderson’s lawyer to request disclosure (evidence collected by police and provided by the Crown) in the case.

Anderson was arrested on Jan. 12, after an investigation by the ALERT Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit. It also involved Pincher Creek and Piikani Nation RCMP, as well as the Lethbridge Police Service.

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In a media availability with Cst. Jason Richmond of ALERT, he explained that the investigation began in July of 2017, when ICE was contacted by the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children about materials being uploaded on social media. He noted that they accelerated the timeline on their investigation after learning that Anderson was teaching at the Napi’s Playground Elementary School in Brocket.

Richmond added that to this point, there is no indication of physical offences. He then stated that anyone with information about Anderson or this case should come forward, reporting it to local police or cybertip.ca.

Anderson is currently out on bail and has been suspended by the Peigan Board of Education. He is barred from having any contact with students or going onto school property.

by Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Teacher facing child porn charges makes first court appearance

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