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
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.