A Dartmouth junior high school teacher has resigned over charges of sexual exploitation and luring a child following a two-month investigation by police.
Mickeal Smith-Tanner of Halifax taught at John Martin Junior High School since Nov. 2008, according to Halifax Regional School Board spokesman Doug Hadley. He taught English and Science last year and technology education and Grade 8 social studies this year.
Hadley said Smith-Tanner handed in his resignation to the board Thursday after police arrested him the day before.
Police spokesman Const. Brian Palmeter said a complaint came in Nov. 26 from a 16-year-old Dartmouth female alleging she received sexually explicit electronic correspondence from a man who held a position of trust.
Palmeter said a two-month investigation led to the arrest and subsequent charges of Smith-Tanner.
“We will not tolerate this behaviour,” said Palmeter, alleging the correspondence by the suspect came from “various electronic means of communication”.
Hadley said police notified the board of their investigation several weeks ago and Smith-Tanner had been off with pay since Jan. 1.
“It’s not one of the current students at John Martin,” Hadley said.
Asked if the alleged victim was a student from a previous year, Hadley said “I can’t confirm or deny that. It’s a matter before the courts.”
Smith-Tanner has been released on conditions restricting his contact with people under 18 and his Internet use. He’ll appear in Dartmouth provincial court May 11.
