Potential victims of Janelle Arnold found in New Zealand

RCMP are reporting that former elementary school teacher, Janelle Arnold, could have victims from all over the world with the latest discovery of her contacting youth in New Zealand.

Following the original arrest of Janelle Arnold, Bonnyville RCMP discovered that Janelle had contacted two youth from New Zealand via social media. Janelle then sent money and gifts to the youths.

Bonnyville RCMP have charged Janelle Arnold, a 35-year-old resident of Bonnyville, with the following offence:

• Fail to comply with Release Order

Janelle Arnold has been remanded. She is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 5, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wainwright, AB.

Background

Arnold was first arrested in September of 2024, following an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour with Arnold (35) and a youth. Following the investigation into the incident that occurred in late August, Arnold was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference. The interference charge came following allegations that the former elementary school teacher had paid the victim, a 13-year-old male, for remaining silent.

At the time of her arrest, Arnold was employed as a grade 4 teacher at Duclos Elementary in Bonnyville. Norhern Light School Division confirmed at the time of her first arrest on September 11, 2024 that Arnold was no longer employed with the division or at the school. It is unclear if she started the school year employed.

Arnold was released following her first court appearance on conditions. She did not remain out of jail long, in late October she was arrested again. This time, she allegedly contacted a youth via social media, inviting him and his friends to her hotel room in Wainwright. Charges included:

• Invitation to sexual touching
• Child luring
• Failure to comply with Release Order

It was due to this arrest that Arnold was remanded into custody.