Lac La Biche RCMP charge Eric Sprecker with child pornography possession; worked with students at Vera M Welsh Elementary

A 24-year-old male from Lac La Biche has been charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. 

Eric Sprecker was arrested on Tuesday after a search warrant from police and the Alberta RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit was conducted at his residence. 

Lac La Biche RCMP were notified that the suspect was believed to be in possession of child pornography and distributed it online. 

Sprecker has been employed with the division as an educational assistant and Out of School Care worker at Vera M. Welsh Elementary School for two years, NLPS confirmed on Wednesday.

“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 statement reads.

This is the second individual employed by Northern Lights Public Schools with sexual charges involving children announced by RCMP on Wednesday.

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

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

He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 7, 2024 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Lac La Biche.

Police said the victim is not believed to be from the area.

If anyone has information regarding criminal activity within the area of Lac La Biche they are asked to contact Lac La Biche RCMP at 780-623-4380. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

Full NLPS statement

Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) has been informed by RCMP that one of its staff members has been charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

NLPS can confirm that Eric Sprecker has been employed with the division as an educational assistant and Out of School Care worker at Vera M. Welsh Elementary 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.

We will be working closely with the school to ensure supports are available for students and staff who need them. The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff are always our top priorities and we are focused on providing them with the support they need at this time.