Edmonton substitute teacher facing child pornography charges

Police say a substitute teacher working in various Edmonton school divisions is facing multiple child pornography charges.

The 47-year-old was arrested Wednesday and charged with accessing, possession, and transmitting child pornography.

The suspect was employed by Norquest College at the time of his arrest. He has frequently been a substitute teacher at Edmonton Public School Division and Elk Island Public School Division, and has previously worked as a tutor in the Sherwood Park area with Lights On Learning.

The charges are in connection with alleged online offences.

“It is unknown at this time if any students were potentially impacted,” according to ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit. “ICE is sharing this information given his position of trust and authority.”

ALERT’s investigation began last month on a tip by the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre after the accused allegedly uploaded child sexual abuse materials using Dropbox.

ICE is completing a forensic analysis on computers and electronic devices that were seized from the suspect.

Eric Matheson-Jones is scheduled to appear in court June 4. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Anyone with information is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.