More sex assault complaints against Barrhaven teacher

At least six more female students at Pierre SavardHigh School in Barrhaven have come forward to police with complaintsabout sexual comments and touching by their formermath teacher, 57-year-old Naoum Abi-Samra.

Abi-Samra was charged last week withsexual assault and sexual interference after several alleged incidents involving one of his students earlier this year, and Ottawa police warned there could be more victims.

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

The Conseil des coles catholiques du Centre-Est(CECCE) said Pierre SavardHigh Schoolsent a letter to parents last Friday informing them that more students hadreported similar incidents.Police sourcestell CBCmorecharges are likely.

Students can talk to teachers, they can talk to the principal ... their information will be treated with absolute confidentiality.- Cline Bourbonnais,

Board spokeswoman Cline Bourbonnais told CBC theschoolsent the letter to "keep parents in the loop," and to remind students that help is available.

"Students can talk to teachers, they can talk to the principal, they can talk to school guidance counsellors and we have social workers available ... their information will be treated with absolute confidentiality."

For nowAbi-Samrafaces one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference. The victim, a girl under the age of 16, allegesAbi-Samramade sexual comments toward her andtouchedherinappropriately.

Police said there were multiple incidents that occurred during school hours, on school property.

Abi-Samrawas charged last Tuesday after turning himself into police. He was released on bail after hisfamily posted a$5,000 bond. As part of his bail conditions he must remain at least 500 metres from parks and schools.

Abi-Samra was suspended from teaching in March when police began looking into the allegations against him. He beganteaching at Pierre SavardHigh School in2012, and taught atCollge catholique Franco-Ouestprior to that.

His next court appearance is May 9.