Special ed teacher accused of sexual assault

By Chris Doucette

A 56-year-old man who works with special needs children at an elementary school is accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual behaviour with two young students.

Toronto Police say officers began an investigation into a “suspicious incident” several weeks ago, on June 6, that culminated in the arrest of a staff member from Owen Public School on Thursday.

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“It is alleged that the accused, while working at Owen Public School as a special needs assistant, sexually assaulted two girls,” police said following the arrest.

No further details were released.

The school on Owen Blvd., northwest of Bayview Ave. and York Mills Rd., has English and French Immersion classes.

Police did not reveal the age of the girls or say what Grade they are in.

However, Owen Public school only goes up to Grade six, meaning they would be under 12.

Guiseppe ‘Joe’ Foti, 56, of Aurora, is charged with two counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference.

The news comes just one day after Halton Regional Police announced they had charged Oakville school bus driver Denis Reilly, 68, with similar offences involving a 12-year-old student.

And just last month two teachers from separate schools in Peel Region were accused of sexual offences involving young teenage girls.

David Lang, 29, a Grade 8 teacher Grade 8 class at Cheyne Middle School in Brampton was charged by Peel Regional Police with sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and sexual assault involving a 13 year-old a former student.

And Alan Muliyil, 46, a teacher at Fletcher’s Creek Senior Public School in Brampton was busted by York Regional Police for allegedly having sexual relations with a 14-year-old hooker.

Police announced the charges against Foti late in the day, so the Toronto District School Board could not be reached for comment.

Police said they are concerned about the possibility of other victims.

Source : cnews