A report of alleged sexual offences against a youth attending a school in the High Prairie School Division sparked an investigation last year by McLennan RCMP and the Alberta Integrated Child Exploitation Unit.
On Feb. 7, 31-year-old Brock Mackenzie Whalen, who lives in Peace River, Alta., was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, two counts of luring a child, making sexually explicit material available to a child and child exploitation.
After appearing before a justice of the peace, the accused was released on conditions. He’s scheduled to appear in court next on March 18.
In a news release Thursday, RCMP said Whalen was employed by several school districts in Alberta and Saskatchewan, including the High Prairie School Division, Holy Family Catholic Regional Division, Saskatoon Public School Division (2013 and 2015) and the Lloydminster Public School Division (2014).
RCMP confirmed Whalen was working as a teacher.
In a post on its website, the High Prairie School Division said it was notified about the charges laid against “a former High Prairie School Division teacher.”
It stated that the division has supports available for students and staff, and directed any questions about the charges to police.
Holy Family Catholic Regional Division confirmed the accused is a teacher within its division.
In a statement, the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division said that “the alleged incidents that led to the charges against Mr. Brock Whalen didn’t take place during his time at HFCRD.”
The school division said it decided to take “immediate action” and put Whalen on “offsite unassigned duties.” And, that “on the advice of legal counsel, further action is pending.”
The Holy Family Catholic Regional Division “is taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students,” and offering support services to students and their families.
RCMP would not disclose the gender of the youth in this case.
Parents or guardians who are worried their child or children may have been involved in an incident connected to this investigation are urged to contact local police.
This investigation is still active. Anyone with information about the High Prairie allegations is asked to contact McLennan RCMP at (780) 324-3086 or local police.