Robert Bender, 48, is charged with assault, harassment through threatening behavior, intimidation by threats of violence and malice. He was scheduled to appear in court on Friday. The Ottawa Police Department for Sexual Assault and Child Abuse claims the incidents began in September 2020 while Bender was working for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Committee (OCDSB). The unit is concerned that there may be other casualties.
The categories “serious and worrying”
In a statement, OCDSB spokeswoman Darcy Knoll said Bender was stepping down from classroom duties when the board became aware of concerns about his interactions with students and did not return. The board notified the Ontario College of Teachers, Knoll wrote, and has begun its own internal investigation to determine if there is a need to do something “in terms of employment”. The OCDSB is also cooperating fully with the police investigation, he added. “These allegations are serious and worrying. We would please anyone who has information [should] Contact the Ottawa Police Department or Crime Stoppers. “ Ottawa police have asked anyone with information to call the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944. You can submit anonymous tips by calling Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.
