Police have arrested a teacher at a high school in Steinbach, Manchester, who is accused of sexually assaulting six female students aged between 15 and 18.
David Buetti, 41, is charged with five counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual interference for alleged offenses between Feb. 1 and May 31, 2022, RCMP said Wednesday.
The crimes allegedly took place at Steinbach Regional Middle School, where Buetti worked as a teacher and coach from February to June.
RCMP say they received several reports of sexual assault involving the teacher on June 17.
The alleged victims in this case came forward to a confidant, RCMP Sgt. Morgan Page said at a news conference Wednesday morning. The school department then reported it to the police through the school social worker.
Other female students came forward and provided information that helped the investigation, RCMP said.
Buetti was arrested on July 4.
In a statement, the Hanover school department said he was placed on leave immediately after learning of the allegations. A spokesperson told CBC News he is no longer employed by the department.
The department “takes the allegations seriously and is taking the necessary precautions to ensure the matter is properly investigated,” according to the emailed statement.
He worked in 4 schools in Winnipeg
Police also released information Wednesday about his work history at several Winnipeg schools dating back more than a decade.
He worked at Holy Spirit School from 2006 to 2007 and at St. John Breboeuf School from 2007 to 2018.
He then worked at Holy Cross School for four months in 2020 and at River East Collegiate for six months in 2021.
The River East Transcona School Division posted a Facebook message saying Buetti was employed at River East Collegiate from February to June 2021 and was a substitute teacher in the division at the start of the 2021-22 school year.
The department said it recognizes the allegations “will be distressing and distressing to many students, their families, as well as staff,” but that they are not aware of any incidents during Buetti’s employment there.
Buetti is the rugby coach at Steinbach Regional High School, RCMP Sgt. Paige said, but did not know of his coaching status at any of the other schools.
Page said police are not aware of any other victims in this case.
“But that’s why we’re here today – to inform the public of the arrest and the charges in this case and then to provide the information regarding David Buetti’s employment history to teach the public that this gentleman worked in the school system prior to these serious charges.” , she said.
There is no time limit on reporting sexual assault to the police, Page said.
Buetti was released on conditions pending the investigation. These conditions include no contact with the alleged victims, no authority over persons under the age of 16, and no attendance at schools, playgrounds or anywhere a person under the age of 16 is expected to be.
Anyone with information is asked to call Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-1234. Alternatively, they can call their local police department or the clinic’s 24-hour sexual assault crisis line at 204-786-8631 or toll-free at 1-888-292-7565.
Support is available to anyone who has been sexually assaulted through the clinic’s 24-hour sexual assault hotline. In Winnipeg, call 204-786-8631 or toll free 1-888-292-7565.
You can also access crisis lines and local support services through this Government of Canada website or the Canadian Association to End Violence database. If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.
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