B.C. teacher arrested on way to school, charged with child exploitation

Troubling allegations are being levelled against a high school teacher in B.C.’s Interior.

Vincent Collins, 33, remains in custody after being charged with one count of child exploitation, according to 100 Mile House RCMP.

Police said Friday they received allegations of criminal conduct committed by Collins on Wednesday evening.

On Thursday morning, Collins was arrested on his way to work at Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School after leaving his home in 108 Mile Ranch, police said.

“We have been closely engaged with the school administration and School District 27, who is supporting our investigation,” said Staff Sgt. Svend Nielsen.

The allegations occurred with a female youth, according to Nielsen.

“Given Collins’ role as a teacher and access to children at the school, 100 Mile House RCMP is releasing this information in an effort to identify anyone with additional information and in the interest of public safety,” he said.

Collins appeared in front of a justice at a detention hearing on Thursday morning, where RCMP said they laid the charge.

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A Vincent William Collins is registered as a teacher in good standing with the B.C. Ministry of Education, with a certificate set to expire June 30, 2021.

Collins is still listed as a staff member on his school’s website and was last cited in January as being a drama teacher.

Global News has reached out to School District 27 and the ministry to determine what actions, if any, will be taken against Collins in light of the allegations. The ministry referred Global News back to RCMP.

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Anyone with information in relation to the allegations is asked to contact the 100 Mile House RCMP at 250-395-2456 and cite file 2021-1154.