Ottawa teacher charged with 5 counts of sexual assault, exploitation

cbc (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/shannon-quinn-teacher-sexual-assault-exploitation-ottawa-1.6933614)

Ottawa police have charged a woman who is a teacher with the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) following an investigation into alleged incidents involving one of her students this year.

Shannon Marie Quinn, 40, was arrested on Thursday and charged with five counts of sexual assault and sexual exploitation. She was scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

The OCSB told CBC Friday that Quinn is a high school teacher at St. Francis Xavier High School. In a statement, manager of communications Sharlene Hunter said OCSB is fully co-operating with police on the matter.

“The teacher has been suspended without pay and will remain on suspension until these charges have been resolved in a court of law,” said Hunter.

She said the OCSB has also contacted the Ontario College of Teachers. She said counsellors will be available to assist students starting on Monday.

Hunter also provided a statement from the board’s director of education, Thomas D’Amico, who urged anyone with information regarding the allegations to contact police.

“As a Catholic community, we acknowledge the gravity of this situation and offer our on-going support to those impacted,” the statement said. “Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our students.”

In a media release, police said their investigation began last month. The incidents allegedly occurred between March and May of this year and involved a minor.

Quinn is also known as Shannon Greffe, according to police.

Police said they are concerned there may be other student victims. They are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Ottawa police sexual assault and child abuse unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944, or to submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.