Latest news with #NorquestCollege
Global News
21-05-2025
- Global News
Edmonton-area teacher faces child exploitation, pornography charges
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team's (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit says it has arrested and charged an Edmonton-area substitute teacher for child pornography related charges. The investigation began last month when ICE was tipped off by the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre that Eric Matheson-Jones, 47, allegedly uploaded child sexual abuse material using Dropbox, a website used to host files in an online cloud. After a search warrant was issued on May 14, investigators charged Matheson-Jones with accessing, possessing, and transmitting child pornography. Police say that at the time of his arrest, he was a teacher at Norquest College, as well as working as a substitute teacher with Edmonton Public Schools and Elk Island Public Schools. He was also a tutor with Lights on Mediated Learning Centre in Sherwood Park. Story continues below advertisement According to investigators, charges against Matheson-Jones are related to offences made online, and police say there is no indication if any students attending any of the schools or the college have been affected. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Norquest College confirmed to Global News that he was a casual instructor. According to Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS), Matheson-Jones has worked as a substitute teacher since 2013 at both junior and senior high schools. 'There have been no reports from EIPS students, but it's essential our school families are aware of the charges laid,' a spokesperson with the school division told Global News. 6:04 Wave of sextortion cases sees law enforcement agencies send out joint warnings Detective Erik Bjarnason with ALERT said the law enforcement agency is sharing the information due to the accused's position of trust and authority. Story continues below advertisement 'It adds another heightened level of concern for us when we learn individuals have access to children or potential access to children,' he explained. 'That being said, I don't want to put everyone on high alert that something has happened. But we want to make sure that if it does and it hasn't been reported, so it can be reported and can be properly investigated,' he added. While ALERT says it has no evidence to show students at the schools were affected, Det. Bjarnason says it's important to have these conversations with students. 'I think it's extremely important to have open and honest communication with your kids with relationships with anybody that they have with anybody in a position of trust,' Det. Bjarnason said. Elk Island and Norquest both confirmed they've terminated his position. Edmonton Public Schools said Matheson-Jones previously served as a substitute teacher and is no longer with them. Lights on Mediated Learning Centre said they're shocked to hear this news but have no further comment. Matheson-Jones was released from custody with some court-imposed conditions, with his next court appearance scheduled for June 4.
CTV News
20-05-2025
- CTV News
Teacher who worked in Edmonton, Sherwood Park arrested for child sexual exploitation offences
An Edmonton teacher is facing charges related to possession of child sexual assault materials. Eric Matheson-Jones was arrested by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) on May 14. The 47-year-old has been charged with accessing, possession, and transmitting child pornography. ALERT began an investigation last month after it was notified by the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre that someone was uploading child sexual assault materials using the site Dropbox. At the time of his arrest, Matheson-Jones was working as an instructor at Norquest College. He has also frequently been a substitute teacher at Edmonton Public Schools and Elk Island Public Schools and worked as a tutor in the Sherwood Park area with Lights On Learning. Police say Matheson-Jones' charges are related to alleged online offences and it is unknown if any students were impacted. A forensic analysis of Matheson-Jones' computers and electronic devices is still underway. Matheson-Jones has been released from custody with a number of court-imposed conditions and will appear in court on June 4.
