Abbotsford vice principal suspended, then resigns, after being charged with child pornography crimes
Michael Haire, 38, is a former vice principal of William A. Fraser Middle School
An Abbotsford middle school vice principal was suspended from his job and has subsequently resigned after police announced Friday he was facing child pornography charges.
In a statement, the Abbotsford Police Department said Michael Haire, 38, has been charged with making available child pornography and possession of child pornography.
They identified him as vice principal at William A. Fraser Middle School in the city's McMillan neighbourhood, next to Yale Secondary.
"This investigation is exceptionally concerning given Mr. Haire's position of authority and access to youth in Abbotsford," Det. Keith Nugent said in the statement. "We ask anyone with information to please contact us."
The Abbotsford School District released a statement later the same day, saying that Haire had been suspended from his duties and was no longer an employee of the district.
Devices seized
Police said an investigation was launched by child exploitation detectives in July 2018. Computers and other electronic devices were seized from Haire's home after a search warrant was executed.
The devices are still being examined by the APD's digital forensic lab, police said, but thousands of video and images of child pornography and child abuse have already been uncovered.
Police said Haire had been an employee with the school district for 12 years and a vice principal at William A. Fraser Middle School for three. He has no criminal record.
Rearrested Friday
Abbotsford police spokeswoman Sgt. Judy Bird said Haire had been arrested and released earlier this month but was re-arrested Friday.
Haire made a court appearance Friday afternoon and was released with conditions.
Abbotsford school superintendent Kevin Godden said in a statement the district was fully co-operating with police and had reported the investigation into Haire to the Teacher Regulation Branch.
"Resources from the district's critical incident response team will be deployed in the district and at [William] A. Fraser Middle School to ensure our staff and students have the appropriate supports in place," Godden said in the statement.
"Anyone who may have concerns about their child should contact their school principal."
Haire's next court date is scheduled for Oct. 22.
With files from Jesse Johnston