Pedi-gogy

As reported by the CBC:

A Dartmouth, N.S., teacher has been charged with sexual exploitation and luring a child.

Mickeal Smith-Tanner, 30, who taught geography and media technology at John Martin Junior High School in Dartmouth, was arrested Wednesday after a two-month investigation by Halifax regional police.

He was suspended with pay in early January and resigned his post Thursday.

Const. Brian Palmeter said the police received a complaint in November from a 16-year-old Dartmouth girl who said she was receiving sexually explicit electronic messages.

"Essentially the messages were an invitation or an attempt to have the person conduct some kind of sexual act, and that in itself violates the Criminal Code," Palmeter said.

None of the charges have been proved in court.

Police said the alleged incidents happened between Oct. 31, 2009, and Jan. 7, 2010.

"The victim did know the person sending the information and the person did hold a position of trust," Palmeter told CBC News.

Doug Hadley, a spokesman for the Halifax Regional School Board, said the board has not received any other complaints against Smith-Tanner.

Students attending John Martin Junior High School were given a letter explaining the situation and saying the 16-year-old complainant is not a student at the school.

"He was my favourite teacher and I thought he was just gone for a bit, but then I heard this," said Kylie Branch, a 14-year-old John Martin student. "He used to always tell stories about when he was younger and stuff."

Smith-Tanner was released on conditions restricting his contact with people under the age of 18. He is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court on May 11.



For the Herald's report see below:
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