Teacher at Springbank, Alta., high school charged with child luring, sexual exploitation

Timothy Bailey, 49, is seen in a Springbank Community High School yearbook photo. (Supplied)

A teacher from Springbank Community High School has been arrested and charged with multiple sexual offences.

RCMP launched an investigation on Jan. 21 after a female student reported “inappropriate behaviour.”

“After the investigation was initiated and evidence was received, a teacher from that high school was arrested,” said Cpl. Gina Slaney with Alberta RCMP.

Police subsequently arrested Timothy Bailey, 49, of Calgary, and charged him with child luring, making sexually explicit material available to a child and sexual exploitation.

Bailey was released with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court in Cochrane on Feb. 18.

Rocky View Schools (RVS) said it was made aware a staff member was being investigated when he was taken into custody on Tuesday.

The school board said Bailey taught math to grades 10, 11 and 12. He has been employed by RVS since 2003.

“RCMP have the school and the division’s full co-operation in their investigation,” RVS said in a statement Wednesday.

“RVS has placed Bailey on unassigned duties and he is prohibited from being on any Rocky View School property at any time, effective immediately.”

RVS said it is working with the school to support students and staff.

The arrest happened during the diploma exam break, so many students weren’t at school. Families were notified Tuesday.

“An email got sent out to the parents saying the cops came to the school and something is happening with one of the staff,” said Allison, a Springbank Community High School student.

“It is off-putting because a lot of us were supposed to be in his class next semester as well,” said Maddie, another student at the high school.

RCMP believe there may be more victims. Anyone with information about similar incidents is asked to contact Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000, or your local police.

“It’s difficult when we deal with these types of offences with people in a position of authority,” Slaney said.

“Even if someone has witnessed something and was a part of a conversation or behaviour and they’re not sure, please just give us a call; we can guide you; we can help you.”

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.