WARNING: This story contains disturbing details.
An elementary school principal in northwestern Ontario has been taken into custody by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) after an investigation into online child sexual exploitation.
Shane Beckett, 53, was the principal of Robert Moore School in Fort Frances, part of the Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB).
The Fort Frances OPP reported that a search warrant was carried out at a home in Fort Frances on Tuesday, leading to the seizure of electronic devices.
As a result, Beckett was arrested and charged with two counts of luring someone under 16 years old through telecommunications, according to a news release from the Fort Frances OPP on Thursday.
He has been released from custody and is set to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on April 2. None of the allegations have yet been proven in court.
Previously, Beckett’s name appeared on the school board’s website as principal of Robert Moore School; it now lists Allison Hyatt as acting principal.
The RRDSB released a statement on Thursday acknowledging that one of its principals had been arrested by the OPP.
“We recognize that this news is deeply concerning for our students, families, staff, and the broader community. At this time, the individual has been removed from their duties, and the board is taking all necessary steps to ensure stability and support within the affected school community,” the school board says.
“As this matter proceeds through the legal system, the RRDSB will continue to co-operate fully with law enforcement. Because this is an active police investigation, and to respect the privacy and legal rights of those involved, the board will not be providing additional details at this time.”
The RRDSB says counselling support can be accessed through the school office.
Our clinicians are available to provide emotional support, answer questions in an age-appropriate way, and help students process what they may be hearing or feeling.- Kenora-Rainy River District Child and Youth Mental Health Program “The safety, well-being, and protection of our students and staff remain our highest priority. Our schools continue to be safe, caring learning environments, and we are committed to ensuring that all appropriate supports are available to students, families, and employees who may be impacted by this information,” it says. The Fort Frances OPP encourages anyone with knowledge about the investigation or online child exploitation cases to contact them at 1-888-310-1122 or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers. ca. Information can also be reported through cybertip. ca.
“Our cliniciansareavailabletoprovideemotionalsupport , answerquestionsinanage-appropriatemanner, andhelpstudentsprocesswhatthey maybehearingorfeeling,”thestatementreads. Meanwhile, the Fort Frances OPPalsoencouragesfamilies tospeakwiththeirchildrenaboutonlinesafetytohelpprotectthemfromonlinesexualexploitation. Resourcescanbefoundatcybertip. caandprotectchildren. ca. “The safetyandprotectionof childrenis atoppriorityforthe OPP, andweremaincommittedtoidentifyingand pursuingindividualswhouse technologytoexploit them,” saidthe Fort Frances OPP. “If youorsomeoneyouknowhasbeenimpactedandrequir esvictimsupportpleasecontactthe Rainy River District Victim Servicesatr rdvsp. ca.”
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Our clinicians are available to provide emotional support, answer questions in an age-appropriate way, and help students process what they may be hearing or feeling.- Kenora-Rainy River District Child and Youth Mental Health Program “The safety, well-being, and protection of our students and staff remain our highest priority. Our schools continue to be safe, caring learning environments, and we are committed to ensuring that all appropriate supports are available to students, families, and employees who may be impacted by this information,” it says. The Fort Frances OPP encourages anyone with knowledge about the investigation or online child exploitation cases to contact them at 1-888-310-1122 or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers. ca. Information can also be reported through cybertip. ca.
‘Moments like this can feel unsettling’
Around 7,500 people live in Fort Frances-a border town located along the Rainy River directly across from International Falls, Minnesota. The Kenora-Rainy River District Child and Youth Mental Health Program posted a statement on Facebook Thursday regarding Beckett’s arrest. “In light of recent information shared regarding the situation at Robert Moore School , we recognize that many students , families , and staff may be experiencing a wide rangeof emotions- including concern , confusion , anger , or sadness,” it says. “Moments like this can feel unsettling , especially when they involve trusted members of our school communities. It’s importantto acknowledge these feelingsand ensurethatbothstudentsand caregiversknowthatsupportisavailable.” Parentsandguardiansareencouragedtoreachoutto their Kenora-Rainy River District Childand Family Servicesclinicianat theirchild’sschoolforsupport.“Our cliniciansareavailabletoprovideemotionalsupport , answerquestionsinanage-appropriatemanner, andhelpstudentsprocesswhatthey maybehearingorfeeling,”thestatementreads. Meanwhile, the Fort Frances OPPalsoencouragesfamilies tospeakwiththeirchildrenaboutonlinesafetytohelpprotectthemfromonlinesexualexploitation. Resourcescanbefoundatcybertip. caandprotectchildren. ca. “The safetyandprotectionof childrenis atoppriorityforthe OPP, andweremaincommittedtoidentifyingand pursuingindividualswhouse technologytoexploit them,” saidthe Fort Frances OPP. “If youorsomeoneyouknowhasbeenimpactedandrequir esvictimsupportpleasecontactthe Rainy River District Victim Servicesatr rdvsp. ca.”
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