Substitute teacher charged in P.E.I. child pornography investigation

Matthew Alan Craswell, a 39-year-old man from Cornwall, P.E.I., has been charged in connection with an investigation into child pornography.

The arrest came Thursday as police executed a search warrant at a residence in Cornwall. Craswell was arrested at the scene, and police also seized electronic devices from the home.

"It is a shocking type of crime," RCMP Sgt. Shaun Coady told CBC News.

"It does remain prevalent, and it continues to be a cause for concern."

The P.E.I. Public Schools Branch has confirmed to CBC News that Craswell worked as a substitute teacher last year.

"His employment with PSB as a substitute teacher ended in June (end of school year) like all substitute teaching staff," the PSB said in an emailed statement.

"In light of this information, this individual will not be considered for any future employment with PSB during this ongoing investigation."

No contact with minors

Craswell was charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

There is no indication at this point that he was involved in creation, said Coady. The investigation is still active, he said, and he could not comment on whether any of the victims were on P.E.I.

Craswell was released from custody on strict conditions pending a court appearance scheduled for Aug. 19.

"They are not to leave the province," said Coady. "They are restricted from having contact with any persons under the age of 16 or going to any places where it would be expected that people under the age of 16 would frequent. And additionally they are not allowed to access the internet or possess any devices that have the ability to access the internet."

The investigation, which began in June, first came to the attention of the RCMP's national child exploitation crimes centre in Ottawa, which then informed local RCMP.

CBC News reached Craswell by phone but he declined to comment on the case.