A 21-year-old female residing in the County of Grande Prairie has been arrested and is facing multiple charges including sexual interference, child luring, and sexual assault.

Beaverlodge RCMP said they received a report on Oct. 12, 2022 of sexually explicit photos being distributed by an educational assistant who wasemployed at the Hythe Regional School.

As a result of the police investigation, more than one victim was identified. 

Maddison Peterson, 21, was arrested on Jan. 14 and is facing additional charges of making sexually explicit material available to a child, an invitation to sexual touching and obstructing police.

In a statement to the media Tuesday afternoon, Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) said that while the incidents did not occur at the Hythe school, as soon as the division became aware that Peterson had allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct, those concerns were reported to the RCMP. PWPSD said Peterson’s employment has been terminated.

The parents of affected students have been informed of the situation, said the PWPSD release.

Peterson appeared before a Justice of the Peace and was released on conditions with her next court date set for Feb. 6, 2023, at Grande Prairie Provincial Court.

Beaverlodge RCMP encourage other individuals who may have been involved to come forward.

PWPSD said it is providing supports to students and family involved.