Sex crime charges dropped against former Abbotsford teacher

VANCOUVER – A former Abbotsford teacher is no longer facing four counts of sex crimes after he agreed to a number of conditions in court on Friday.

Tanner Cervo, 38, agreed to a 810 recognizance, or a peace bond, meaning he will have to abide by a number of conditions for the next year. He admitted that “his actions were such that they caused fear of sexual assault”.

In court on Friday, Cervo’s lawyer said he does acknowledge the consequences of his actions and he is remorseful about what happened.

The married father of four young children was charged in 2013 with two charges of sexual exploitation, one charge of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference against a female youth.

The judge says Cervo violated a position of trust when the student and teacher relationship turned friendly, and then “boundaries were crossed.”

The Abbotsford School District confirmed Cervo has not been working at the school since they learned of the allegations against him in 2012.

Cervo will now have to maintain good behaviour and be under supervision. He will also have to report to the Abbotsford Police Department and have no contact with girls under the age of 16, other than his children.

If he does not obey these conditions for the next 12 months, the charges against him can be brought back.

The victim, who cannot be named under a publication ban, told Global News outside of court that this process has been a very painful and difficult road. She not only received backlash from the community for coming forward, but on social media as well. She said it was support from family and friends that helped her get the courage to speak out about what had happened.

The victim’s mom told our reporter the agreement to the peace bond is a reasonable outcome because a trial would have been difficult, with an unknown outcome.

The victim also said she would encourage other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and be true to themselves.

~ with files from Christine Tam