A Gibsons man with connections to the North Vancouver school district has been charged with possession of child pornography.
Sunshine Coast RCMP began investigating the 50-year-old resident last August, according to a news release, “as a result of a notification received from an electronic service provider, which alleged that an account user had child pornography in their possession.”
Charges were approved by the BC Prosecution Services on Monday, April 26.
According to court documents filed April 23, Graham Bowering is accused of having at or near Gibsons “child pornography, photographs, video and written material” in his possession between May 2014 and February 2021, for one count of possession.
Bowering was in direct contact with children during his work as a teacher at North Vancouver School District No. 44, according to the RCMP, and as a result, the detachment is releasing the information “in the interest of public safety and to further the police investigation.”
Financial reporting from the school district shows a Graham Bowering employed in the 2019-20 school year.
The school district said it is unable to provide details about the case, citing privacy reasons, but acknowledged it has received inquiries “about a charge for a child pornography related offence that has been laid against a teacher at Ross Road Elementary School.” The statement said the teacher won’t be at the Lynn Valley school “while this matter is being investigated.”
No Lower Mainland children have been identified as potential victims, said the RCMP release, and the school district statement said it has not received information suggesting any students were at risk or have been harmed.
“The School District does engage in appropriate follow-up to ensure the continued safety and well-being of students and staff. This includes conducting its own investigation and assigning the teacher’s duties to another educator while the charge is being investigated,” said the statement.
Bowering, who has been released on bail, is expected to make his first court appearance at Sechelt Provincial Court on May 19, Crown prosecutor Trevor Cockfield told Coast Reporter.
Anyone who may have information or could assist in the investigation is being asked to contact Sunshine Coast RCMP investigators at 604-885-2266.
