Naoum Abi-Samra, Ottawa high school teacher, charged with sexual assault

A Barrhavenhigh schoolteacherhas been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference after several incidents involving one of his students earlier this year, Ottawapolice say.

A police investigation into Naoum Abi-Samrawas launched when the forcereceived allegationsthe 57-year-old had "made sexual comments and inappropriately touched one of his students," a media release issued Monday states.

He had been working at Pierre-Savardhigh school in Barrhaven since September 2012, but was suspended when thecentral east French Catholic school board,ConseildescolescatholiquesduCentre-Est (CECCE), became aware of the allegations on March 11, accordingtoCeline Bourbonnais, the board's spokesperson.

Prior to working at Pierre-SavardAbi-Samrataught at another CECCEschool, but the board would not say which.

Investigators allege there was more than one incident involving the Pierre-Savard student from January to April, and that they happened while Abi-Samra was performing his duties as a teacher.

Abi-Samra was charged Tuesday morningand police said he was expected to appear in court on Tuesdayas well.

His lawyer, Neil Weinstein, said Abi-Samrahadagreed to turn himself in to police Tuesday morning.

Investigators are concerned there could be more victims.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa police sexual assault and child abuse unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944,or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) toll free at 1-800-222-8477.