<<RM10009274 Elgin County OPP Media Release 09 Mar 10 - Southwold Public School Teacher Darren BLEW arrested and charged.doc>>

FROM/DE:        ELGIN COUNTY OPP                                                                        DATE: 09 Mar 10

SOUTHWOLD PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER ARRESTED AND CHARGED

(ELGIN COUNTY) – After more than a month long investigation Elgin County OPP has arrested and charged a 39 year old Thames Valley District School Board public school teacher with several criminal offences. The allegations of inappropriate unwanted touching from both current and former students of Southwold Public School, Southwold Township have been brought forward and span the course of approximately three (3) years. As a result of the investigation police have arrested and charged teacher, Darren Leroy BLEW, age 39 of St.Thomas, ON. With;

1. Assault contrary to section 266 of the Criminal Code
2. Sexual Assault contrary to section 271 of the Criminal Code
3. Sexual Interference with person under 16 contrary to section 151(a) of the Criminal Code
4. Sexual Exploitation contrary to section 153(a) of the Criminal Code

Mr. BLEW is currently being held in custody pending a show cause hearing.

Media inquiries for the Thames Valley District School Board can be directed to;
Richard Hoffman
Public Affairs Officer
Thames Valley District School Board
519-630-3846

or

Kate Young
Manager - Public Affairs and Community Relations
Thames Valley District School Board
519-452-2000 ext 20209

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Contact: Constable Troy Carlson
Elgin County OPP Media Relations/Community Services
Phone: 519-631-2920 Ext. 5450
Pager: 1-888-808-7195  

       

Contact: Constable Troy Carlson
Elgin County OPP Media Relations/Community Services Officer
Phone: 519-631-2920
Pager: 1-888-808-7195

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