The Catholic school board says a child pornography charge against its board chair came as a shock.
OPP released yesterday that 68-year-old Richard Brassard of Englehart was charged with access any child pornography.
According to the Northeastern Catholic District School Board's (NCDSB) website, Brassard has been a trustee since 2006 and has been chair since 2007. Prior to that it says he was a teacher and long-time principal with the board.
OPP said the investigation into a person accessing child pornography online started Sept. 12. The alleged incidents happened between Aug. 7, 2019 and Sept. 6, 2019 in Englehart.
NCDSB director of education Tricia Stefanic Weltz addressed the charge in a statement posted to the board's website today.
"On Friday, September 27, 2019 the Board Chair, Richard Brassard, appeared in court, charged with one count of access to child pornography. Mr. Brassard’s arrest came as a shock to us as I imagine it has to you. We are deeply concerned and will provide you with as much information and support as we can over the coming days," reads the statement.
"Mr. Brassard’s alleged activity was uncovered through routine computer system updates and we immediately notified the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The NCDSB has been cooperating fully since."
Stefanic Weltz said Brassard does not have access to board properties or digital equipment from the board.
While she said there is little information at this time, people can contact her with questions at 705-268-7443.
Anyone with information related to the charge should contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Brassard has been released on bail. He is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 29 in Temiskaming Shores.
