Alleged explicit cellphone conversations and text messages with two teenage students led to charges against a 39-year-old woman who worked at Oilfields High School in Black Diamond, Alta., RCMP say.
The woman, who was not a teacher, allegedly started extensive cellphone contact with one boy in the fall of 2007 and another in late 2008, RCMP Sgt. Patrick Webb said yesterday. He wouldn’t give their exact ages, but said they were young teens.
After rumours and stories circulated among students, staff investigated the claims and then contacted police, who laid charges after interviewing more than 30 people and collecting electronic records, Webb said.
Neither boy was physically harmed, although there was allegedly physical contact between the woman and one teen, according to police.
A review is conducted every time allegations of misconduct are made, the division said.
“The safety of students is paramount to Foothills School Division and we are very satisfied with both the intensive RCMP investigation into this matter and subsequent follow through,” Jim McLellan, superintendent of schools, said in a statement.
Tanya Marie Cossette of Black Diamond faces charges of sexual exploitation and drug trafficking.
