Former teacher to be sentenced on child porn charges didn't show up to court
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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Despite union protest, new hybrid work rules for federal employees kick in Monday
Public service unions will start the week with an early-morning rally opposing the policy. But despite the unions' 'summer of discontent' and an ongoing court challenge, the new rules will still kick in on Sept. 9.
Here's what jobs will survive in the AI boom: Statistics Canada estimates
A recent study by Statistics Canada sheds light on how different occupations may be affected by the AI boom, including those who might lose their jobs in a more automation-driven future.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
The 33 most anticipated movies of the fall
Here are some of the most anticipated films of this fall, from large to small and everything in between.
Fentanyl-laced gummies discovered in Hamilton: police
Hamilton Police are warning locals of the discovery of fentanyl-laced gummies 'disguised as candy,' after finding them during a recent warrant.
21 children are now known to have died in Kenya school fire
The number of children who were burned to death in a school dormitory in central Kenya has risen to 21, the government spokesperson said Saturday.
Paul Anka says long-in-the-works Broadway musical is still on the horizon
After well over a decade of planning to adapt his life story into a stage musical, the 83-year-old Ottawa-born musician says the concept is finally getting traction.