Southern Alberta elementary school teacher charged with child porn offences

Police have charged an elementary school teacher in Brocket, Alta., with possessing, accessingand distributing child pornography following a months-long investigation.

In July 2017, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams' Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit received a tip from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children about a social media user uploading illegal material.

An investigation was launched, and police say it was only recently discovered that the posts were linked to a teacher in Brocket.

Mark Anderson, 44, was arrested Thursday by members of the Pincher Creek RCMP, Piikani Nation RCMP and Lethbridge Police.

Brocketisabout 200 kilometres south of Calgary, on the Piikani Nation reserve.

Computers and electronic devices were seized from Anderson's home in nearby Pincher Creek and will undergo a forensic examination.

Police said Anderson is also involved in various youth-oriented community programs, including minor sports and Scouts Canada.

Anderson was released with several conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 30.

The charges are related to online offences. Anyone with information isencouraged to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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