Calgary elementary school principal faces child porn charges
Bruce Campbell, 61, was charged on April 16 by officers with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team
Published Apr 29, 2024 • Last updated 7 hours ago • 2 minute read
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possessing and accessing child pornography, say authorities.
Bruce Campbell, 61, was charged April 16 by officers with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team. He was employed as the principal at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Calgary’s Sunalta neighbourhood.
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“Currently, we believe these offences are solely related to online activities, but can appreciate how parents and students would be shocked and concerned about these charges,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Auger of ALERT’s Internet and Child Exploitation unit.
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Police allege Campbell uploaded child sexual abuse materials via the online communications service Skype. They began investigating when the RCMP’s national child exploitation unit informed ALERT of his alleged activities in January this year.
Investigators searched the principal’s home, seizing a number of phones and computers. Police analysis of those devices found child porn on Campbell’s work-issued cellphone, according to ALERT.
The agency says the charges are related solely to the uploaded photo, and further forensic examination of Campbell’s devices is ongoing.
“While the investigation and charges are related to online offences, the nature of Campbell’s employment placed him in a position of trust and authority,” ALERT said in a statement.
The Calgary Catholic School District said it was “shocked and saddened” by news of the charges against Campbell.
“This principal is no longer employed at our district. We take these allegations very seriously and are fully co-operating with ALERT in their investigation,” the district said in a written statement.
“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. District counsellors are available as always to support students. Our thoughts and prayers are with anyone who has been impacted.”
In 2023, Campbell received a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal, an award bestowed by the province that “recognizes the significant contributions of Albertans.”
Campbell was released from custody on a number of conditions and is due back in court on May 10.
ALERT urges anyone with information on the case to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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