A Toronto District School Board teacher is facing a number of charges in connection with an alleged "inappropriate sexual relationship" with a 13-year-old boy.
Toronto police say a concerned mother called them about the Grade 8 teacher Wednesday afternoon following alleged conversations between her son and the 34-year-old man.
He was arrested late Wednesday night and faces charges of sexual interference, sexual exploitation, and sexual assault.
TDSB spokesperson Ryan Bird said the Hollycrest Middle School teacher has been placed on "home assignment pending the outcome of the investigation."
A former student of the teacher said he was shocked by the arrest.
"I find it really hard to believe because he was always a really likeable teacher," Luke Menezes told CTV Toronto. "All the students really liked him."
Menezes father, Lino Menezes, described the teacher as being one of the "best" at the school.
"I don't think people should rush to judgment," he said.
Joseph Diletto of Mississauga has been a teacher at the Etobicoke school for nine years. He appeared for a bail hearing Thursday morning. He was released on $2,500 bail, and must observe the following conditions:
- No direct or indirect contact with the complainant
- He cannot be within 500 metres of the complainant's home or his place of education
- He cannot be in the presence of any person under 16 years of age unless a person over 18-years-old is also present
Police say they believe there may have been more victims.
"Because of the accused’s position as a teacher, he was exposed to other children who were of the same age group," Det.-Cont. Jasbir Mrahar said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477)
With a report from CTV Toronto's Janice Golding
