Edmonton teacher facing child pornography charges believed to have left the country
Jimmy Buena worked at St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School, police say
An Edmonton high school teacher facing charges of child sexual exploitation is believed to have fled the country, police said Wednesday.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Jimmy Buena, 47, for making, accessing, possessing, and transmitting child pornography.
In a statement, officials with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams said Buena worked as a teacher at St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School in west Edmonton.
Officials with ALERT's child exploitation unit said officers attempted to arrest Buena at the school on Tuesday, but that he could not be found.
Investigators now believe he has left Canada and are seeking more information on the case. An ALERT spokesperson said it's believed that Buena left for the Philippines.
Officials said their investigation into Buena's online activities began last week when they were provided a tip by the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre.
Buena had allegedly uploaded child sexual abuse materials using Facebook.
ALERT said it is sharing details of the case due to Buena's position of trust and authority as a teacher.
Buena's charges are related to online offences and it is unknown if any of his students were potentially impacted, investigators said.
An Edmonton Catholic Schools spokesperson said the division is aware of charges against a staff member.
"This individual is no longer working at the school, will not be back in September, and has been removed from any role within Edmonton Catholic Schools," the spokesperson told CBC News in a statement.
"The safety and well-being of our students is our first priority, and we are fully co-operating with police."
A social media account belonging to Buena showcases his life as an educator with videos showing him interacting with his students, touring the school and participating in special school events and assemblies.
Anyone with information on the investigation is encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.
