Former P.E.I. substitute teacher faces new charge of making child pornography, police say

A former substitute teacher from Cornwall, P.E.I., has been arrested for a third time and now faces an additional charge of making child pornography.

P.E.I. RCMP said they arrested Matthew Alan Craswell, 39, on Nov. 15.

Police said the latest charge stems from an incident that is not connected to the accused's previous employment as a substitute teacher. 

"This is a new charge from a new set of circumstances," said RCMP Cpl. Gavin Moore.

The investigation is continuing, but RCMP are releasing no other details about the charge out of respect for the victim's privacy, Moore said. 

"Clearly this is a type of offence that has a profound effect, a profound effect for victims, for victims' families and for all Islanders as we all struggle to hear the news that these events have happened."

Craswell's lawyer appeared in provincial court Monday. Craswell has elected to have his case heard in Supreme Court.

He will remain in custody until his next court date Dec. 10, when he is expected to enter a plea.

Craswell was initially arrested Aug. 8 on child pornography charges but was released from custody after appearing in court.

Cornwall man faces more charges of exploiting children

8 days ago

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Matthew Alan Craswell was arrested on Friday and charged with creating child pornography. It's his third set of charges of this nature since August. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance Dec. 10.

A few days later, acting on new information about an alleged incident in April 2024 while Craswell was working as a substitute teacher, police arrested him again and other charges were laid.

In addition to the new charge of making child pornography, he also faces counts including: 

• Sexual exploitation.
• Sexual assault.
• Sexual interference.
• Possession of child pornography.
• Distribution of child pornography.

Schools branch assisting with police investigation

The P.E.I. Public Schools Branch previously told CBC News that Craswell would not be considered for future employment while the investigation and court proceedings are underway.

"This individual was a certified substitute teacher who worked occasionally when called upon to fill in for other teachers," a spokesperson for the board said in an Aug. 13 email. 

"As a certified substitute teacher, he was eligible to teach all grade levels."

The accused would have been required to pass a vulnerable sector check every two years, the agency said.

"PSB staff have been in contact with RCMP and will assist with their investigation as appropriate," the statement said.