Ottawa teacher, husband facing sexual assault charges

A former Ottawa teacher accused of sexual assault and exploitation of students has been granted bail.

Andreea Andrei, 37, along with her husband Harry Andrei, 38, turned themselves in to police on Monday to face the joint charges.

Police said the alleged incidents took place between 2017 and 2021, while the woman was teaching at Kanata Montessori in Ottawa. The alleged victims are a boy and a girl, both of whom were under 18.

"At this time we have two victims that have come forward," Ottawa police Acting Insp. Shelley Rossetti told CTV News Ottawa. "Because she was a teacher and had that position of authority for a number of years in Ottawa, we are concerned that there could be other victims as well." 

Rosetti said the exploitation charge can refer to a variety of interactions.

"Exploitation can be conversations, it can be suggestions, it can be inappropriate actions... Anything like that that's made somebody feel uncomfortable they need to report that to a trusted adult," she explained.

Andreea Andrei must abide by a number of bail conditions including not contacting or communicating in any way with any of the victims and not contacting or communicating with her husband except in the presence of legal counsel for the purpose of preparing a defence.

She must also not come within 250 metres of Kanata Montessori, other schools, playgrounds, parks or be in the company of or communicate with anyone under the age of 18 unless in the presence of her surety or the parent/legal guardian of the person under 18.

She must not seek, obtain or continue with any or unpaid activity that involves being in a position of trust or authority over people under 16 years of age, the justice of the peace said.

Another condition not to provide or advertise any educational services including virtual and in-person instruction, tutoring or student monitoring to any person under the age of 18.

The justice of the peace added that visits with her own children had to be facilitated by Andrei's surety.

CTV News Ottawa has reached out to Andrei's lawyer for comment on the charges. 

TEACHER NO LONGER EMPLOYED BY MONTESSORI

Lisa Wallace, chair of the board of directors at Kanata Montessori, said in a statement allegations against their former teacher were brought forward by two graduates.

"When these complaints were brought to our attention, we took swift action to address them. Immediately upon learning of the allegations, we removed the staff member in question from the school and filed a police report with Ottawa Police Services. The accused individual is no longer employed by the school and has not been for the past two months," Wallace wrote.

"We are saddened and shaken by this news. The well-being, safety and happiness of our students has always been – and will continue to be – our top priority."

Wallace said the matter has also been referred to the Ontario College of Teachers. 

The college said in a statement it is aware of the charges.

"A notice has been posted to the member’s public register page, as we do in all cases involving criminal charges that are relevant to an individual’s membership. By law, we are unable to comment on the specifics of any individual cases, nor can we confirm whether an investigation is underway," a spokesperson said.

Police say they are concerned there may be additional victims, as the woman previously worked as a teacher in the Toronto area prior to 2017.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5944.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.