By CHAT News Today

Edmonton teacher charged with child pornography possession

Mar 21, 2017 | 3:07 PM

EDMONTON — A teacher in Edmonton, who is also well-known in the city’s theatre community, has been arrested and charged with possession of child pornography.

David Belke, 56, was arrested on March 17 following an investigation by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team’s (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation unit and Edmonton Police Service.

According to ALERT, the investigation began in February after a tip from the public. Belke’s computer was seized and an investigation allegedly found images and videos of child sexual exploitation.

At the time of his arrest, Belke was working as a substitute teacher and has been involved in the theatre community in Edmonton for more than two decades.

Belke is due back in court on April 6. He was released on a number of conditions. Belke cannot be found in any place where children 16 years of age or younger are present unless they are in the company of a parent or guardian, and he can not be within 100 meters of a public park, recreation facility, daycare, or other facility that children 16 years of age or under would be present. Belke also cannot obtain or hold employment or volunteer at any location where it could be reasonably foreseen that a person 16 years of age or under may be present.

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ALERT says there is no evidence to suggest Belke was involved in any offences with children, but are encouraging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact police.