Former Newfoundland teacher charged with sexual offences against children in New Brunswick
RCMP urge anyone with information to contact police
A man who worked as a substitute teacher for nine years in the St. John's metro region has been charged with several sexual offences in New Brunswick.
Stephen Blackwood, 37, is facing two counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual interference, one count of assault, and two counts of breaching court conditions.
The RCMP in New Brunswick are appealing to parents to speak to their children, saying they believe there could be more kids involved. That includes in Newfoundland and Labrador, where Blackwood taught in various schools from 2013 to 2022.
"We also want people to know that a sexual assault complaint can be made at any time, and there is no statute of limitations as to how far back the assault happened," said Cpl. Hans Ouellette. "If you are a victim of sexual misconduct, please contact us. You will be listened to, and you will be believed."
Ouellette confirmed the RCMP in New Brunswick have been in contact with their colleagues in Newfoundland and Labrador, who in turn alerted the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in St. John's.
Blackwood is a content creator on YouTube with more than 30,000 subscribers. He often streams videos of himself playing video games, including Fortnite. He's also posted more than a dozen videos of himself dancing with children at public swimming areas and water parks.
Police in Fredericton began looking into Blackwood in November after reports of a man taking videos of children at four different hotel pools. They arrested Blackwood on Nov. 12, and later charged him with assault, sexual assault and sexual interference.
On Dec. 2, Blackwood was alleged to have breached court conditions after a local business called police.
On Feb. 2, he was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference in Moncton "in relation to an incident at a school in November 2022," according to the RCMP.
The police say Blackwood had been working as a supply teacher in New Brunswick between Oct. 26 and Nov. 4.
Blackwood, who has remained in custody, is set to appear in court on Friday to set a date for a bail hearing.
The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District said it cannot comment on the matter as it is before the courts.
"However, in general, we can advise that, in addition to any investigation undertaken by the district, concerns of inappropriate staff behaviour towards students are immediately forwarded to local law enforcement for investigation and followup," reads a statement from the district.
Corrections
- A previous version of this story said Blackwood was charged with one count of breaching court conditions. In fact he is charged with two counts of breaching conditions. It also said police in Moncton began investigating him in November. In fact it was Fredericton police.Feb 10, 2023 2:18 PM EST