Sex exploitation case adjourned to January

The preliminary hearing for a Raymond school teacher accused of having inappropriate interactions with a female student isn’t expected to conclude until early in the new year.

The hearing for Jentry Jack Salmon had to be adjourned Wednesday after it became evident testimony by Crown witnesses would extend beyond the two days scheduled for the matter.

Only three of the Crown’s seven witnesses had testified by the end of the day Wednesday, and evidence provided by the third witness, the complainant in the case, had to be cut short. Her testimony is scheduled to continue Oct. 24 followed by the remainder of the preliminary hearing Jan. 8 and 11, 2018.

Salmon, 34, is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation. He is accused of having inappropriate interactions with the student through text messages and engaging in inappropriate conduct outside of school.

The accused was suspended from teaching at Raymond High School last October following the allegations and an investigation by the Westwind School Division. RCMP charged Salmon on Feb. 17.

Salmon has pleaded not guilty to the charges and elected to be tried by a Court of Queen's Bench judge and jury. He was previously released on a recognizance and ordered not to have any contact with the complainant.

An RCMP forensic expert testified Tuesday, followed Wednesday by the school’s rugby coach and the complainant. The complainant’s evidence was given behind closed doors after the judge cleared the courtroom.

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