UPDATE: Duclos teacher Janelle Arnold charged with sexual assault and sexual interference; victim is a minor

The victim is not a current student of Duclos School or Janelle Arnold. Image: staff picture formerly used for Arnold on Duclos School website. 

Sexual charges have been laid against a Bonnyville elementary teacher involving a minor.

Janelle Arnold, who was a Grade 4 teacher at Duclos Elementary School, has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference, following a Bonnyville RCMP investigation.

On Thursday, Sept. 5, Bonnyville RCMP say they were contacted by concerned parents regarding inappropriate contact with a student by a teacher.

According to a press release on Wednesday morning, officers were advised that at the end of August, the teacher had sexually assaulted the student and paid the student money in hopes that they would not disclose the incident. 

Bonnyville RCMP then arrested Janelle Arnold, 35-year-old of Bonnyville, on Friday, Sept. 6.

Arnold was taken before a Justice of the Peace and was released on a release order with conditions.

She is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Bonnyville.

The victim is not a current student of Duclos School or Janelle Arnold.

Bonnyville RCMP are reaching out to offer support and encourage anyone who may be a survivor to come forward and contact Bonnyville RCMP at 780-343-7200.

Lakeland Connect has reached out to Northern Lights Public Schools for a response.

UPDATE: Northern Lights Public Schools makes statement

Northern Lights Public Schools says Arnold no longer works for the division in a statement issued at 11:39AM on Wednesday morning.

“Northern Lights Public Schools has been informed by RCMP that one of its staff has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference,” it reads. 

“NLPS can confirm that Janelle Arnold has been employed with the division as a teacher at Duclos School for two years. This individual is no longer at an NLPS school. 

“Out of respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved, we will not be commenting further at this time.

“The safety and wellbeing of our students are always our top priorities and our focus is on supporting our students and staff. We will be working closely with the school to ensure supports are available for students and staff who need them.”

Lakeland Connect has spoken to one individual who says they made a complaint in May to Duclos, who raised concerns that Arnold was friends with children on social media. 

The complainant was allegedly told that they had received other complaints as well.

Arnold is known to use multiple social media accounts, also under the alias of Maisie Willetts, or combinations thereof, on Facebook and TikTok. 

Lakeland Connect has asked NLPS about the nature of complaints.

UPDATE: Bonnyville RCMP S/Sgt adds comment

Bonnyville RCMP S/Sgt. Sarah Parke issued this statement to Lakeland Connect at 12:24PM:  “Sexual crimes involving children are shocking and can rock an entire community to its core. Our members are working diligently on this matter and even though charges have been laid, the investigation and evidence gathering continue. I strongly urge any other potential victims and their parents to come forward to RCMP.”