ST. THOMAS - A 39-year-old St. Thomas
elementary school teacher who was charged with sex abuse following student complaints, has resigned his nine-year position with Thames Valley District school board.
Darren Blew, a coach at his school, appeared Tuesday in St. Thomas court where charges against him were withdrawn by the Crown.
Justice Michael O’Dea was told Blew had agreed to sign a four-year peace bond.
A school board spokesperson said Wednesday Blew has submitted his resignation, which has been accepted by administration.
She was not able to say if Blew’s resignation is part of any agreement between him and the Crown.
Blew, a Grade 7 teacher at Southwold elementary school, was
charged in March with sexual assault, sexual interference with a minor, sexual exploitation and assault, following a month-long investigation by Elgin OPP into complaints by pupils and former pupils of inappropriate touching.
OPP said the alleged incidents happened at the school and spanned a three-year period.
They said “a number of students” had complained.
Blew hadn’t been at Southwold school since Jan. 22 when he was placed on paid leave after allegations first surfaced. He had been with the board since 2001.
Blew had coached the Southwold Cougars girls basketball team to a Thames Valley District School Board elementary girls AAA basketball championship in 2004 and to a silver medal at the same competition in 2005.
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