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 November 2008, according to Halifax Regional School Board spokesman Doug Hadley.
Hadley said Smith-Tanner handed in his resignation 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 of Smith-Tanner and subsequent charges.
“We will not tolerate this behaviour,” said Palmeter, alleging the correspondence by the suspect came from “various electronic means of communication” between Oct. 31 and Jan. 7.
Hadley said police notified the board of their investigation several weeks ago and Smith-Tanner had been off with pay since Jan. 1.
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 and will appear in Dartmouth provincial court May 11.
