NL

St. John's teacher Krysta Grimes charged with sexual exploitation

A substitute teacher suspended since January is now charged with a crime.

Grimes was formerly a teacher rep for the Gonzaga High boys' hockey team

Krysta Grimes is a substitute teacher with the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District. (Submitted)

WARNING: This story contains distressing details.

A substitute teacher under investigation since January is now charged with a sex crime against a youth.

Krysta Grimes, 31, is charged with unlawfully committing sexual exploitation.

According to court documents, Grimes was "in a position of trust or authority towards a young person," when she "did for a sexual purpose touch directly or indirectly a part of her body with the body of [the alleged victim]."

The boy listed in court documents is a youth but CBC News has been unable to ascertain his age. It's alleged the incident took place in Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove between March 1, 2018, and June 30, 2018.

Last winter, the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District confirmed a teacher was being investigated after unspecified complaints. 

According to news clippings and rosters listed online, Grimes had previously served as teacher representative for the Gonzaga High senior boys' hockey team.

She is due for an appearance at St. John's provincial court on Oct. 17.

While the legal age of consent in Newfoundland and Labrador is 16, sexual exploitation charges can be laid when a person is in a position of trust or authority over a youth between the ages of 16 and 18.

The charge carries a minimum sentence of 90 days' imprisonment, and a maximum of 14 years in prison.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan Cooke is a journalist with the Atlantic Investigative Unit, based in St. John's. He can be reached at ryan.cooke@cbc.ca.