A high school teacher and coach from southern Manitoba has been arrested after a number of students came forward with sexual assault allegations, and police warn the same man has also worked at several Winnipeg schools.
Police say the 41-year-old accused taught and coached rugby at Steinbach Regional Secondary School in Steinbach from February to June 2022.
He was arrested July 4 after RCMP say six students at the school southeast of Winnipeg came forward last month saying they had been assaulted between February and May of this year.
“The students in this situation came forward to a trusted person for them and the school division reported it through the school social worker and then in turn reported it to the RCMP,” Sgt. Morgan Page said at a Wednesday press conference.
The students are aged between 15 and 18, and the offences are alleged to have occurred on school property, Page said.
She said additional female students have since come forward to provide information that has helped in the investigation.
David Bueti, of Winnipeg, has been charged with five counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual interference.
Page said Bueti is no longer employed at the Steinbach school and has since been released from custody on a number of conditions, including not to contact the alleged victims and not to work in a position of trust or authority with anyone under the age of 16.
In a statement to Global News Hanover School Division superintendent Shelley Amos said Bueti was placed on “immediate leave” when they learned of the allegations at the Steinbach school.
Amos said the division is working with investigators.
“The Division is treating the allegations seriously and taking the necessary precautions to ensure that the matter is properly investigated,” Amos said in an email.
“While the Division is precluded from providing any details regarding the allegations, the Division can advise that the appropriate authorities have conduct of the matter and will be addressing the matter in accordance with their internal processes and procedures.”
Accused worked at Winnipeg schools
Police say Bueti also worked at several different schools in Winnipeg prior to working in Steinbach.
Page said he worked at River East Collegiate for a six-month period in 2021 and Holy Cross School for a four-month period in 2020. He also taught at Holy Ghost School from 2006 to 2007 and St. John Brebeuf school from 2007 to 2018.
In a statement, River East Transcona School Division (RETSD) said Bueti was as a teacher at River East from February to June 2021 and was also a substitute for the division early in the 2021-2022 school year.
A RETSD spokesperson said while the division is not aware of any incidents with the accused during his employment at their schools, they are encouraging anyone with information to reach out to investigators.
“We recognize that these allegations will be disturbing and unsettling for many students, their families, as well as staff. We share your concerns,” Amanda Gaudes said in a statement.
“Our priority has, and always will be, the safety and well-being of our students.”
Page said the police investigation is ongoing and anyone with information should call Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-1234.
“That’s why we’re here today, to make the public aware of the arrest and the charges in this case, and then give the information regarding David Bueti’s employment history to make the public aware that this gentleman was working in the school system prior to these serious allegations,” Page said.
“If you are a survivor, we encourage you to talk to a trusted person that could be a parent or guardian.”
–With files from Michelle Karlenzig and The Canadian Press
- 64 people charged in massive Ontario child exploitation investigation
- Montreal organized crime bust nets 4 arrests, millions of dollars: police
- Former NFL player on bail now wanted in Canada after GPS monitor ‘went offline’
- London Drugs issues apology, says no evidence of compromised data in cyberattack
Comments