Trial date set for former Raymond teacher

The trial for a Raymond school teacher accused of inappropriate conduct involving a female student is expected to take nearly three weeks when it finally begins next year.

The case was in Lethbridge Court of Queen’s Bench Monday where Jentry Jack Salmon was arraigned and the trial scheduled for March 18 to April 5, 2019. Salmon also changed his election, and he will now be tried by a judge alone instead of a judge and jury.

Following the conclusion of a preliminary hearing earlier this month in Lethbridge provincial court, the accused was committed to stand trial on one count each of sexual exploitation and child luring. A second count of sexual exploitation was dismissed.

Salmon, 34, is accused of having inappropriate interactions with the student through text messages and engaging in inappropriate conduct outside of school.

He was suspended from teaching at Raymond High School in October 2016 following the allegations and an investigation by the Westwind School Division. RCMP originally laid two charges of sexual exploitation Feb. 17 of last year.

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