Surrey RCMP have confirmed that there is a B.C.-wide arrest warrant for a former Delta elementary school teacher charged with child pornography offences.
RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Elenore Sturko confirmed with the Optimist Monday that there is a warrant out for 52-year-old Surrey resident Elazar Reshef.
“He is not in custody yet. There is a belief that he may not be in B.C.” said Sturko.
On Friday, RCMP announced that charges were approved by the BC Prosecution Services and information sworn against Reshef on July 2 following an investigation that began in March 2019.
“Reshef has been in direct contact with children during his work as a teacher in the Delta School District. As a result, the Surrey RCMP are releasing this information in the interest of public safety and to further the police investigation,” said RCMP in Friday’s news release.
The Optimist has learned that Reshef taught at North Delta’s Gray Elementary. The Optimist has reached out via email to the school’s principal for comment, but has yet to get a response.
In an emailed response to the Optimist last Friday, the Delta School District said the safety and wellbeing of students is their paramount concern.
“In July 2019, upon hearing that Mr. Reshef was being investigated by the police we took immediate action to remove him from any interactions with students within the school district,” said Delta School District communications manager Cathryn Tucker. “This individual has not been at work since July 2019 and has not been permitted on Delta School District property since that time. We are working closely with Surrey RCMP. As this is a police matter, we urge anyone who may have information on this case to contact Surrey RCMP.”
The RCMP investigation began last year as a result of a notification received from an electronic service provider, which alleged that an account user had child pornography in their possession.
RCMP say investigators have reviewed all available evidence and, at this point, no Lower Mainland children have been identified as potential victims. However, anyone who may have information that could assist in this investigation is asked to contact Surrey RCMP ICE investigators at 604-599-0502.
