Former Calgary teacher accused of historic sex assault of 14-year-old student

Between 2000 and 2003, police allege a teacher at École Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys sexually assaulted a student beginning when she was 14 years old. (Facebook/École Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys - image credit)
Between 2000 and 2003, police allege a teacher at École Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys sexually assaulted a student beginning when she was 14 years old. (Facebook/École Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys - image credit)

A former Calgary teacher has been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student more than 20 years ago.

Mario Joseph Denis Arsenault, 54, who currently lives in Levis, Que., was charged by the Calgary Police Service (CPS) with two counts of sexual exploitation and one count of sexual assault.

Police say the woman came forward and reported "multiple instances of sexual assault."

A publication ban protects the identity of the alleged victim.

Incidents alleged in vehicle and home

In 2000 the woman says Arsenault initiated an "inappropriate sexual relationship" with the then-teen who was a student at École Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys in the city's southwest.

Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys is a French Catholic school in the city's southwest.

The incidents took place over a three-year period in Arsenault's vehicle and at his home, according to police.

"It is believed the teacher used his position of trust to befriend the victim and develop an ongoing sexual relationship with her," said CPS in a written statement.

Arsenault is set to be back in court next month.