Airdrie rural RCMP has arrested and charged a 43-year-old Crossfield resident, who is an educational assistant, with child pornography offences, in relation to a six-month-long sexual interference investigation.
According to Mounties, Thijs Gordon Vogelzang has been charged with sexual Interference, possession of Child Pornography, as well as making Child Pornography. The investigation was in partnership with the Airdrie Rural RCMP and the Airdrie RCMP Specialized Investigation Unit.
Vogelzang has been remanded into custody and is to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie today.
In a written statement Greg Luterbach, Superintendent of Rocky View Schools, said that RVS was made aware that a staff member was being investigated by RCMP when they were arrested yesterday, May 29.
"We can confirm Vogelzang has been employed with RVS for two years as a learning assistant at W.H. Croxford High School in the 2022/23 school year and was a learning assistant at W.G. Murdoch High School in Crossfield at the time of his arrest."
He added that the RCMP has the school and the division’s full cooperation in their investigation, underlining that the man's employment with RVS has been terminated.
"We cannot provide further information as the matter is subject to an ongoing criminal investigation. The safety and well-being of our students are at the centre of everything we do. Our focus during this challenging situation is on ensuring our students have our caring support. School-based and divisional supports will be available for students at W.G. Murdoch High School and W.H. Croxford High School for as long as they may need them."
RVS stated that it takes these charges very seriously and will be working closely with schools to support them through this situation.
"We also recognize the impact this has on all our staff who dedicate themselves every day to improving the lives of our students. Division staff are present at the schools and staff are encouraged to access RVS’ Employee Assistance Program for additional support. We will be communicating this information shortly to the two school communities and to all RVS staff."
If you have any information regarding these offences, please contact Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7267. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or online at www.P3Tips.com.
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