Ottawa teacher facing sexual assault charges involving minor, police looking for other victims

Ottawa police says a teacher is facing charges related to alleged sexual assaults involving a minor under the age of 18.

Rayon Finnikin, 37, has been charged with sexual assault, voyeurism, sexual exploitation and telecommunication with a person under the age of 18 for a specific criminal offence. The incidents allegedly involved a male victim under the age of 18, police say.

The alleged assaults had occurred at "Ottawa-based programs and schools" since 2019, police say.

Finnikin is scheduled to appear in court Saturday.

In a statement to CTV News, the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) said Finnikin was a former occasional teacher at Sacred Heart High School.

"It is our understanding that he was also employed by multiple school boards and volunteered at community organizations," reads the statement.

"As of now, no student from OCSB has reported being affected. However, if any students come forward, we will provide them with our full support. Our priority is to ensure the well-being of our students."

The Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) also confirmed to CTV News that Finnikin has worked as an occasional teacher in the school board. The board says is has initiated an internal investigation to determine further action from an employment perspective.

"The Ottawa Police Service has advised that Rayon Finnikin, an occasional teacher who has worked with the OCDSB, was charged with multiple sexual offences involving a victim under the age of 18 dating back to 2019," reads the OCDSB's statement.

"The OCDSB has prevented the staff member from accepting any further work while the investigation takes place."

"The safety and protection of all students under our care is our highest priority. In recent years, we have been working to build awareness of and be proactive in addressing issues of this nature."

Police say there could be other victims.

The charges have not been proven in court.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 613-236-1222, extension 5944, or call Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) to remain anonymous.

With files from CTV News Ottawa's Natalie van Rooy