Occasional teacher arrested in sexual assault investigation at East York elementary school

A 34-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault investigation at a Toronto elementary school.

The incidents in question occurred at Selwyn Elementary School, a kindergarten to Grade 5 school located in the St. Clair and O’Connor area. According to the Toronto District School Board, the school also contains a child care centre within the building.

Police say Robert Taylor Siegel was taken into custody on March 9 and charged with two counts of sexual assault and two counts of sexual exploitation.

Investigators have not released any details as to when the alleged incidents occurred except to say that the accused has already made an initial court appearance.

In a letter sent home to parents, Siegel is described as a “long-term occasional teacher” at the school and that the charges stem from “alleged incidents that took place involving a student.”

School principal Rod Zimmerman says Siegel has been placed on home assignment while the police continue their investigation.

“While it is important to remember that laying criminal charges does not constitute guilt, and that a person is innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law, we also cannot and do not take these allegations lightly,” wrote Zimmerman. “The safety of our students is a top priority and we are committed to enforcing policies about their well-being.”