KENTVILLE, NS - A teacher at Northeast Kings Education Centre (NKEC) in Canning facing sex-related charges has been released from custody.
39-year-old David Harrison, of Canaan, was present in Kentville provincial court in custody on Nov. 21. Following a bail hearing, he was released on a $3,000, non-cash recognizance with a surety and conditions. His matters have been adjourned to Dec. 18 for plea. Judge Ronda Van Der Hoek has ordered a publication ban to protect the identity of the alleged victim.
Harrison is charged with sexual assault; touching the body of a young person who he was in a position of trust or authority toward for a sexual purpose and child luring – specifically, using a telecommunication device to communicate with a person believed to be under the age of 18 for the purpose of facilitating an offence under Section 153.1 of the Criminal Code. This section of the code relates to sexual touching.
Charges against Harrison have not been proven in court. It’s alleged that he committed the offences in Kings County between Sept. 1, 2013, and Aug. 28, 2015.
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CANAAN MAN TO FACE CHARGES AFTER ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT, CHILD LURING
NKEC PRINCIPAL ISSUES NOTICE TO PARENTS, GUARDIANS ABOUT TEACHER FACING SEX-RELATED CHARGES
Harrison’s release conditions include having no direct or indirect contact or communication with the alleged victim. He is not to be within 25 metres of the residence, place of employment or school of the alleged victim. Harrison is to report by telephone to the New Minas RCMP every Friday and he is to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18, with the exception of family members or when accompanied or supervised by another adult age 21 or older.
NKEC principal Kevin Veinot sent a notice to parents and guardians regarding the situation on Nov. 21. In the notice, he states that school administration has been informed by the RCMP that they have laid charges against Harrison, who according to an online staff listing teaches Grade 11 Math, Grade 11 and 12 Pre-Calculus and Grade 12 Calculus.
“We know no further details than what has been shared by the RCMP,” Veinot stated in the notice. “We recognize at this time the RCMP and the legal system are dealing with this situation.”
The notice states that Harrison has been placed on leave and all appropriate policies and procedures are being followed.
Veinot said their primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of their students and the school administration understands that this situation may be difficult for the school community. The school’s counselling staff is committed to supporting students in the best way possible.
Veinot said that parents or guardians concerned with how a child is handling this news can call him at 902-582-2040.
According to a Nov. 21 news release issued by the RCMP, this past July, the complainant, who was 16 years old when the alleged incidents began, contacted police.
The RCMP Technological Crime Unit assisted with an investigation and were able to recover evidence that supports the complainant’s allegations.
The RCMP executed a search warrant at Harrison’s home on Nov. 20 and arrested him. Harrison was remanded into custody pending his initial court appearance on Nov. 21.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Kings District RCMP at 902-679-5555. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Secure web tips can be submitted at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or use the P3 Tips App.
