KENTVILLE, N.S. - A Northeast Kings Education Centre (NKEC) teacher placed on leave has yet to enter a plea in response to multiple sex charges that came to light following his arrest in November 2018.
David Benjamin Harrison, 39, of Canaan briefly appeared in Kentville provincial court Jan. 15 alongside his high-profile defence lawyer, Joel Pink.
Pink was provided with disclosure relating to the charges against his client and the address for Harrison’s recognizance was updated. Judge Ronda Van Der Hoek agreed to reschedule Harrison’s date for election and plea to Jan. 24.
Harrison is before the court on charges of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and child luring. None of the charges have been proven in court.
The charges stem from allegations brought to the RCMP in July. RCMP say the charges are in relation to allegations that the incidents in question began in 2013, at a time when the girl was 16. Court files indicate that the charges relate to multiple incidents that, police allege, occurred in Kings County between Sept. 1, 2013 and Aug. 28, 2015.
Harrison was released from custody on a $3,000, non-cash recognizance following a Nov. 21 bail hearing, and he must adhere to a number of conditions imposed to permit his release.
An online staff listing available through NKEC’s website says Harrison taught Grade 11 math, Grade 11-12 pre-calculus and Grade 12 calculus.
NKEC principal Kevin Veinot issued a notice to parents and guardians following Harrison’s arrest.
“We recognize at this time the RCMP and the legal system are dealing with this situation,” the statement said.
Veinot said parents and guardians with concerns relating to how a student is processing this information can reach out to him directly at 902-582-2040.
- With files from Sara Ericsson
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