District disciplined teacher facing sex charges

The Coquitlam school district took disciplinary action against an elementary school teacher facing sexual assault charges before the RCMP launched an investigation, according to the B.C. College of Teachers.

The college says it received a discipline report about Aleksandr Plehanov, 35, from the district on March 5. A college spokesperson said he could not reveal the details of the report because it is still under investigation.

Plehanov, a substitute teacher, was charged with nine offences on March 18, including sexual interference, exploitation and assault.

On March 10, the RCMP began an investigation after a parent reported their daughter had been touched inappropriately by a teacher at a Coquitlam school. Police said they later received similar complaints from two other girls.

B.C. College of Teachers spokesman Mykle Ludvigsen said details of the organization's investigation can't be released because the probe is ongoing.

"[It] doesn't always necessarily even mean that it's a criminal matter that someone is being disciplined for, it could be unprofessional behaviour or unethical behaviour, those sorts of things can be reported to us as well."

The college has the ability to reprimand or suspend a teacher. It also has the power to cancel a teacher's certificate.

Plehanov was released on bail with 13 conditions attached. He is scheduled to be back in court on June 3.