Toronto police say a 57-year-old teacher at an east-end high school has been charged after a female student was allegedly sexually assaulted multiple times.
Police said in a statement the incidents happened at Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts, near Pharmacy Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East, between late last year and March. Police said the suspect was the girl’s teacher.
Officers said they were called to the school on the morning of March 29 with a report of a sexual assault.
On Tuesday, John Kraft was arrested and charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation.
In a letter to parents from the principal of Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts on Wednesday, Kraft was identified as a visual media arts teacher at the school.
“Upon learning of the allegations, staff acted immediately to place the employee on home assignment and to notify the authorities. School administration will continue to cooperate with police in their investigation,” Tom Lazarou wrote.
“While it is important to remember that laying criminal charges does not constitute guilt, and that a person is innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law, we also cannot and do not take these allegations lightly. The safety of our students is a top priority and we are committed to enforcing policies about their well-being.”
Lazarou said supports will be offered to students who require assistance.
A meeting for parents will be held at the school’s library on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, Kraft is scheduled to appear in a Scarborough court on May 22.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-4100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.
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