Abbotsford vice principal suspended, then resigns, after being charged with child pornography crimes

An Abbotsfordmiddle school vice principal was suspended from his joband has subsequently resigned after police announced Friday he was facingchild pornography charges.

In a statement, the Abbotsford Police Department said Michael Haire, 38, has been charged with making available child pornography and possession of child pornography.

They identified him as vice principal atWilliam A. Fraser Middle School in the city's McMillan neighbourhood, next to Yale Secondary.

"This investigation is exceptionally concerning given Mr.Haire'sposition of authority and access to youth in Abbotsford,"Det.KeithNugentsaid in the statement."We ask anyone with information to please contact us."

The Abbotsford School District released a statement later the same day, saying that Hairehad been suspended from his duties and was no longer an employee of the district.

Devices seized

Police said an investigation was launched by child exploitation detectives in July 2018.Computers and other electronic devices were seized from Haire'shome after a search warrant was executed.

The devicesare still being examined by the APD's digitalforensic lab, police said,but thousandsof video and images of child pornography and child abuse have already been uncovered.

Police said Hairehadbeen an employee with the school district for 12 years and a vice principal atWilliam A. Fraser Middle School for three. He has no criminal record.

Rearrested Friday

Abbotsford police spokeswomanSgt. Judy Bird said Hairehad been arrested and released earlier this month but was re-arrested Friday.

Haire made a court appearance Friday afternoon and was released with conditions.

Abbotsford school superintendentKevin Goddensaid in a statement the district was fully co-operating with police and had reported the investigation intoHaireto theTeacher Regulation Branch.

"Resources from the district's critical incident response team will be deployed in the district and at [William] A. Fraser Middle School to ensure our staff and students have the appropriate supports in place," Godden said in the statement.

"Anyone who may have concerns about their child should contact their school principal."

Haire's next court date is scheduled for Oct. 22.

With files from Jesse Johnston

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