Parents all have a general picture of what a sexual predator looks like. In their minds he is middle-aged, lives alone, lugs about a paunch, and hangs out in parks and public places where children usually are.
They never expect it to be someone charming, affable, and dresses well. Unfortunately, sexual predators are often the ones we least expect, like this agreeable teacher from Ontario.
Employed as a teacher with the Belleville-based Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, Jacklyn Lindsay McLaren is accused of 36 sex crimes involving minors aged 12 to 15.
READ: Child Pornography is the Fastest Growing Internet Business
Not only that, she is also charged with these crimes:
- Three counts of producing child pornography.
- One count of making sexually explicit material available to children.
- Four counts each of sexual assault on a person younger than 16.
- Sexual interference with a person younger than 16.
- Making an invitation to sexual touching involving a person younger than 16.
- Eight counts of sexual exploitation.
- Six counts of luring a person younger than 16.
- Six counts of making sexually explicit material available to a person under 16.
READ: Police arrest this man for molesting 7 children at a day care
McLaren taught French as a second language, and according to the Ontario College of Teachers’ directory, she was a member since 2008 and in good standing.
At her court hearing, McLaren was prohibited contact with any male person younger than 18. She must avoid public places where minors gather. She is also prohibited to possess a mobile phone or pager.
As of press time McLaren is free on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court March 31.
The grooming process
Sexual offenders usually employ tactics that use fear, isolation, power, and silence to carry out their abuse. The most effective and deceptive tool predators’ use, however, is the grooming process, the tactic of gradually and methodically building trust with a child, as well as the adults around them, to gain increased access and alone time with their victims.
Teacher charged with 36 sex crimes and porn involving minors
Here’s where the importance of having an open communication line with your child comes in.
They will not always be willing to tell you what’s going on when they’re at school, so it is your job to make sure that the relationship you have with them is not the kind that elicits fear.
You have to make sure that they know you have their best interest at heart, and that have their back no matter what.
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