Hamilton-area teacher with Milton, Ont. Catholic school charged in child luring, pornography probe

Halton police (HRPS) say they’re investigating a Milton, Ont., public school teacher accused of luring children via the internet.

Child exploitation investigators say the educator, from Ancaster, was arrested on Thursday and charged with six offences including child luring and possession of child pornography.

Detectives identified St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Elementary School teacher Justin Zielke as the accused and say he’s been with the Milton learning facility since 2016.

“Zielke goes by the name of ‘Mr Z’ to his students and uses various online personas including ‘Dan Forest,'” HRPS said in a statement.

“Investigators believe that he has been communicating with children from all over the world and that there may be additional victims.”

Police are seeking help from the public with the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information can reach out to Halton police.

A spokesperson with the HCDSB says they became aware of the charges on Thursday and are fully cooperating with HRPS in the investigation.

“We can confirm that Mr. Zielke is no longer working in any of our schools,” Amanda Bartucci told Global News.

“As this is an ongoing police investigation, we are not able to share any additional details at this time.”

Bartucci went on to say the HCDSB considers the news “upsetting” and that families and staff will see a crisis response team at St. Anthony next week to offer support to students and staff that require it.

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