Kings County teacher charged with sex offences involving teen

A 39-year-old high school teacher in Nova Scotia's Kings Countyis facing sex charges involving a teenage girl that stemfrom a number of incidents over the course of years.

Nova Scotia RCMPsaid Wednesdaythey were contacted by the alleged victim this past July. She was 16 years old when the incidents began in 2013.RCMPCpl. Jennifer Clarke said the alleged abuse continued until this past summer.

David Benjamin Harrison, a math teacher atNortheast Kings Education Centre in Canning,was arrested Tuesday after police searched his Canaan home with a warrant. He has been charged withsexual assault, luring a child and sexual exploitation.

During the search, police seized a cellphone and were able to recover evidence that supported the victim's claims, saidClarke.

Teacher placed on leave

In a letter sent to parents,Northeast Kings principal Kevin Veinotsaid Harrison is now on leave. The letter did not specify whether it is paid or unpaid leave.

Veinotsaid the school doesn't have further details on the investigation but "all appropriate policies and procedures are being followed."

"Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our students and we understand this situation may be difficult for the school community," he said in the letter.

Harrison is still listed on the school's website as a Grade 11 and 12 math teacher.

Released on bail

He appeared in Kentville provincial court Wednesday and was released on a $3,000 recognizance.

The conditions of his release include staying away from the victim, whose name is protected by a publication ban, and having no contact with anyone under the age of 18 besides family members.

Harrison is scheduled to return tocourt on Dec. 18.

In an email toCBCNews, Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education acknowledged the nature of the charges are concerning and said the centre is co-operating fully withRCMP.

Charges 'troubling news,' says union

Kristen Loyst, who handles communications for the centre, said it learned lateTuesday that RCMP were on the verge of charging a staff member.

The centre learned the details of the charges Wednesday, after which Harrison was put on leave, she said. Loystwouldn't say whether Harrison is on paid or unpaid leave, only that the process follows the collective agreement.

NSTUpresidentPaul Wozney was not available for an interview Wednesday. The union called the charges "troubling news" in a statement but said it would "be inappropriate for us to comment or speculate" on a case before the courts.

Police are asking that anyone with information about these incidentscontact Kings District RCMP at 902-679-5555 or anonymously viaNova Scotia Crime Stoppersat 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Veinotsaid the school's counselling staff are available to support students and he invited parents with concerns to call him.