School teacher faces more charges in child exploitation investigation

Toronto police have laid more charges against a 46-year-old secondary school teacher as part of an ongoing child luring and sexual exploitation investigation.

Gerard McGilly, who has worked for a number of school boards since 1995, was initially charged in October after investigators executed a search warrant in the Bloor Street West and Landsdowne Avenue area.

McGilly was charged with numerous offences including child luring, sexual exploitation and making and possessing child pornography.

On Monday, investigators from the Sex Crimes Child Exploitation, said McGilly has been charged with more offences after two more people came forward.

Police allege between September 2015 and June 2017, the accused used social media under the name “thepiratebuddha” to send a girl pornographic images. He also allegedly had inappropriate sexual contact with her.

Investigators also say that in May, McGilly used social media to inappropriately communicate with a girl.

Police arrested him last Thursday and charged him with 10 offences, including two counts of child luring, two counts of make child pornography, sexual exploitation, possession of child pornography, and other charges related to child exploitation and child pornography.

In a previous release, police said McGilly is known to use the following usernames online:

  • thepoppaship
  • poppaship
  • mrmcteacher
  • G-Note/G Note
  • massive reggae/massivereggae

 

The Toronto Catholic District School Board released a statement concerning the new charges on Monday.

“Mr. McGilly was removed from his position with the Toronto Catholic District School Board after the initial allegations were laid in October.  These additional charges are very serious and the Board continues to cooperate fully with the investigation,” the board said.

“We want to reassure our parents and students that these allegations are not reflective of the caring and compassionate teaching professionals who work in our schools. The safety and well being of all students remains our top priority. We will have counsellors available to any students and staff who may need support.”

Investigators want to hear from anyone who may have experienced inappropriate contact from McGilly.

They are asked to call the Sex Crimes and Child Exploitation Section at 416-808-8500.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today