Teacher faces sex charges
A Gatineau man who was employed as a teacher in Ottawa faces charges of sexual assault and sexual interference following allegations that he inappropriately touched one of his students and was heard making sexually explicit comments.
Ottawa police launched an investigation earlier this year after receiving complaints against the teacher.
Police said the investigation revealed that the teacher might have been involved in several questionable incidents between January and April while employed as a teacher with the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE).
Céline Bourbonnais, director of communications for the CECCE, said the teacher was removed from his position March 11 when the board received a complaint against him.
She would not specify which school the teacher worked at but said the board has made support staff available to any students who feel the need to talk about any interaction they might have had.
Sources indicate the accused taught math at École secondaire catholique Pierre-Savard in Barrhaven. The offences allegedly occurred at the school but not in class.
She also said, the board has launched an internal investigation and is co-operating with police.
Police charged Naoum Abi- Samra, 57, of Gatineau early Tuesday with sexual assault and sexual interference.
The teacher, in handcuffs, made a brief court appearance via video and was granted bail after he and a surety posted a $5,000 bond. Abi-Samra was released on conditions that prohibit him from going within 500 metres of the student or any public place where there are minors.
The bail conditions also prohibit the suspended teacher from working with children.
Defence lawyer Neil Weinstein said his client, who does not have a criminal record, maintains his innocence.
Police ask that anyone with information about the case to call OPS at 613-236-1222 ext. 5944 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477.