Teacher charged with sexual assault for pool incidents

An Edmonton teacher has been charged for allegedly touching two pre-teen girls inappropriately at a recreation facility in southwest Edmonton.

The incidents occurred on two separate occasions prior to Christmas in a “lazy river” pool at the centre.

Its alleged 48-year-old Christopher Herodek touched the girls on December 22 and December 23, as they were swimming by; a staff member at the pool reported the incident.

“If it weren’t for this particular lifeguard, we may not have had an arrest made so kudos to them, they’re very observent and very watchful,” said EPS spokesman Scott Pattison.

Herodek has been charged with two counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference.

On Friday, a spokeswoman with Edmonton Public Schools confirmed the accused works at a public school but wouldn’t specify which one; she said he worked at both T.D. Baker School and Grandview Public School but isn’t currently working there.

Herodek has been suspended and a letter has been sent out to several schools to alert parents.

Police are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.