Teacher faces charges over alleged assault of girl

A 55-year-old teacher is facing sexual assault and exploitation charges against a young girl at a local Catholic school for incidents that allegedly took place between 2014 and 2016.

Robert Lavergne was teaching at St. Patrick’s High School in Alta Vista at the time.

Police said they are concerned there could be other alleged victims.

Lavergne was charged Friday with sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a female under 18. He appears in court on April 25.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board said in a statement Friday it was “deeply sorry” to learn about the charges. It said Lavergne was suspended in February and letters have been sent home to parents.

“The No. 1 priority for our board is the continued safety and well-being of each student,” said Denise Andre, the board’s director of education. “We will continue to cooperate with the police in their investigation of this matter. As a Catholic community, we will pray for all the persons affected by this difficult situation. I truly regret that such conduct has allegedly occurred at one of our schools.

“We are asking if any student has any information to please come forward to the police. Police investigators are concerned that there may be more victims.”

The board said counselling and central professional resources are also available to students, staff and families.

Anyone with information is asked to call the SACA unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5944. Tips can also be sent to SACA@ottawapolice.ca. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or by downloading the Ottawa Police Service app.