Former Winnipeg teacher charged with voyeurism, child pornography

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Peggy

WARNING: This article contains details of abuse.

A 37-year-old man who was a teacher at schools in Winnipeg has been charged with multiple voyeurism, child pornography and sexual exploitation offences.

Matthew James Mousseau is accused of making video recordings in April 2023 and May 2024 of children and adults in various stages of undress in the family change room of a public pool in the city’s Maples neighbourhood, Const. Claude Chancy said during a Friday news conference.

During the investigation, information came to light that led police to believe Mousseau had also “inappropriately engaged” with a student while he was teaching at a high school in the North End.

“We obviously have a [sexual assault] survivor here that we have been in contact with that has spearheaded this investigation,” Chancy said.

“We know that there is the potential of more survivors having been involved, or having contact with this individual. We do realize this is a traumatic event for this person. We do thank the survivor for bringing this up to us.”

Mousseau was arrested on Oct. 2 and charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation, voyeurism, possession of child pornography and accessing child pornography.

He had been employed as a teacher in several schools in Winnipeg up until May 2024, but no longer is, police said. They did not reveal what Mousseau taught, or which grades.

The Winnipeg School Division listed a Matthew Mousseau as a cultural support worker as recently as February 2024.

Chancy said “it is unknown at this point” how many victims were recorded in the pool change room.

“We know it’s multiple individuals,” he said.

The investigation began when police were alerted to child sexual abuse imagery on Mousseau’s cellphone, Chancy said, but he would not go into details on how that happened.

“At that point, more information was gained on the involvement in other factors and other incidences that we speak of today,” he said.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information who wants to speak to investigators is asked to call 204-986-6172.

The Winnipeg Police Service also reminds everyone to be aware of their surroundings, especially when using a change room or washroom facility in a public setting, and to report suspicious items or activity in or around these settings.

For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.