A vice-principal at an Abbotsford school is facing child pornography charges.
Abbotsford Police said their Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit executed a search warrant at the home of Michael Haire, vice-principal at William A. Fraser Middle School, where they seized computers, cell phones and data storage devices.
An examination found the accused “has thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography and child abuse,” The Abbotsford Police Department said in a release.
Haire has been charged with making available child pornography and possession of child pornography.
“This investigation is exceptionally concerning given Mr. Haire’s position of authority and access to youth in Abbotsford,” said Det. Keith Nugent of ICE.
Haire has worked for the Abbotsford School District for 12 years and was in his third year as vice-principal at W.A. Fraser.
He has no criminal record.
The Abbotsford School District said Haire has been suspended from his role at W.A. Fraser Middle School and he is no longer an employee with the district. It went on to say the investigation has been reported to the Teacher Regulation Branch.
WATCH: Abbotsford vice-principal facing child porn charges
According to Haire’s bio on the middle school’s website, he grew up in Abbotsford, and spent his entire career working in middle schools.
“I spent 10 years teaching digital visual arts at Clayburn Middle, where I also established a popular film and broadcasting program. After completing my Masters of Education in 2012, I was ecstatic to make the move to Fraser Middle in 2016 as vice principal,” Haire wrote.
He has been released on bail under a number of conditions.
Those include avoiding contact with anyone under 18, keeping away from parks and playgrounds or anywhere youth may gather, a ban on internet-enabled devices and a ban on contact with anyone charged or convicted with child pornography offences.
Police say they would like to speak to anyone who may have been victimized by Haire.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Abbotsford Police Department Ice Unit at 604-859-5225 or text 222973 (abbypd). Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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