Coquitlam teacher facing sexual abuse charges

An elementary school teacher in Coquitlam, B.C. has been charged with nine offences including sexual interference, exploitation, and assault.

Police say Aleksandr Plehanov, 35, appeared in court on March 18 and has since been released on bail.

RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet said the ongoing investigation of the substitute teacher involves three elementary school girls.

Paquet said police are asking for the public's help in finding witnesses and identifying other victims. He said police believe it's possible more children could have been affected.

"It''s definitely a scenario, although it is one that we do not like to consider, that we have to consider to further our investigation," he said.

 "That is why [this] is an opportunity to let the public [and] the parents know about some of the details so if there are other victims that they can come forward and assist us in our investigation."

Plehanov has taught at more than 20 schools in the Coquitlam district since January 2007. Parents can contact their children's schools directly to find out if Plehanov taught their children.