Former teacher to be sentenced on child porn charges didn't show up to court

London, On. -

Police are looking for a former London teacher who pleaded guilty to four criminal charges following sexual involvement with a student.

Dustin Epp, 48, was to appear in court Tuesday, but according to the lawyer for the victim in the case, he did not show up.

In the wake of this latest development, both the victim and her lawyer, Rob Talach, are concerned and nervous.

The former teacher at Oakridge Secondary School was to appear in court for sentencing and when he did not show, a bench warrant was issued, Talach said.

The charges he pleaded guilty to include: sexual exploitation, voyeurism, possession of child pornography and production of child pornography.

Talach is also questioning why police are classifying Epp as a missing person.

“Why the London Police describe him as a missing person is unusual since there is an outstanding warrant for him and [he is] effectively a fugitive from justice,” Talach said in an email.

According to police, the missing persons report was issued because "due to recent information that has come to light," they are concerned for his safety.

In an interview with CTV News London on Wednesday, Talach said, “I think it should be made very clear to the public that this is an unpredictable convicted sex offender. This is not a missing person that is a victim of a crime themselves or has some mental [health issue], dementia or some other issue. This is someone who should not be approached. If you see him or his vehicle, call 9-1-1 and rely on police.”

Epp is described as a white man, 6’2” and approximately 200 lbs.

Police believe he was last seen during the evening hours of Jan. 16 in the area of Andover Drive and Viscount Road, and may be operating a silver 2012 Nissan Maxima with Ontario license plate ANXT 957.

“He has shown himself to be unpredictable, his whereabouts are unknown, and because of the posture the police has taken on this, this is someone who is wanted, who’s admitted to criminal offences of a sexual nature, and they feel it should be a higher priority to locate him,” Talach added.

Epp’s passport was taken away in 2020.

The victim has also filed a civil lawsuit against Epp and the Thames Valley District School Board.

The statement of claim seeks damages for abuse suffered by the victim at the hands of Epp, and alleges the school should have done more to prevent Epp from committing the abuse.

Where the case goes from here however depends on the outcome of the search for Epp.