Robert Tanner Cervo

Sources

1. Abbotsford teacher faces four sex-offence charges, The Abbotsford News, May 6, 2013.
2. Sex charges involving student laid against B.C. teacher, CTV News, May 7, 2013.
3. Sex crime charges dropped against former Abbotsford teacher, Global News, February 13, 2015.

• 1. Abbotsford teacher faces four sex-offence charges

  • 20130506
  • News article
  • The Abbotsford News

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  An Abbotsford teacher has been charged with sexual offences involving an underage girl.

  Tanner Cervo, 37, who previously taught at Chief Dan George Middle School, has been charged with one count of sexual interference, one count of sex assault, and two counts of sexual exploitation.

  Abbotsford Police Const. Ian MacDonald said the charges were sworn in court on April 16, following an investigation that began in August 2012.

  He said the alleged offences involve one girl, and police did not find any other complainants during their investigation.

  MacDonald could not release any more details, due to a publication ban on details that could potentially identify the alleged victim.

  According to the website for the B.C. Ministry of Education's Teacher Regulation Branch, Cervo "is not eligible to practice."

  Kevin Godden, superintendent of the Abbotsford school district, confirmed in a written statement that although Cervo is a district employee, he is not currently working in a school and has not been since the start of the school year.

  He said the district responded quickly when it first became aware in August 2012 of the allegations against Cervo.

  "We are deeply concerned about these allegations and formal charges, and will continue to cooperate fully with the Abbotsford Police and Crown counsel," Godden stated.

  He said student safety continues to be a high priority in the district.

  "This includes an assurance that we have procedures in place for swift and appropriate action when serious allegations of this nature are brought to our attention."

  Cervo, a married father of four, is also a referee for high-level university basketball and has coordinated youth basketball camps.

  His next appearance in court is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7.

• 2. Sex charges involving student laid against B.C. teacher

  • 20130507
  • News article
  • CTV News

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  A 36-year-old teacher from Abbotsford, B.C., will make his first court appearance Tuesday in connection with sex charges involving one of his students.

  Robert Tanner Cervo was a science and math teacher at Dan George Middle School up until last year, when a female youth came forward with a complaint.

  According to police, Cervo was charged following a lengthy investigation.

  He faces one count of sexual assault, one count of sexual interference and two counts of sexual exploitation.

  Abbotsford police Const. Ian MacDonald said there may be other victims.

  In a statement, the Abbotsford School District said it is taking the matter very seriously, adding that Cervo has not been teaching since last year.

• 3. Sex crime charges dropped against former Abbotsford teacher

  • 20150213
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  • Global News

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  VANCOUVER – A former Abbotsford teacher is no longer facing four counts of sex crimes after he agreed to a number of conditions in court on Friday.

  Tanner Cervo, 38, agreed to a 810 recognizance, or a peace bond, meaning he will have to abide by a number of conditions for the next year. He admitted that “his actions were such that they caused fear of sexual assault”.

  In court on Friday, Cervo’s lawyer said he does acknowledge the consequences of his actions and he is remorseful about what happened.

  The married father of four young children was charged in 2013 with two charges of sexual exploitation, one charge of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference against a female youth.

  The judge says Cervo violated a position of trust when the student and teacher relationship turned friendly, and then “boundaries were crossed.”

  The Abbotsford School District confirmed Cervo has not been working at the school since they learned of the allegations against him in 2012.

  Cervo will now have to maintain good behaviour and be under supervision. He will also have to report to the Abbotsford Police Department and have no contact with girls under the age of 16, other than his children.

  If he does not obey these conditions for the next 12 months, the charges against him can be brought back.

  The victim, who cannot be named under a publication ban, told Global News outside of court that this process has been a very painful and difficult road. She not only received backlash from the community for coming forward, but on social media as well. She said it was support from family and friends that helped her get the courage to speak out about what had happened.

  The victim’s mom told our reporter the agreement to the peace bond is a reasonable outcome because a trial would have been difficult, with an unknown outcome.

  The victim also said she would encourage other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and be true to themselves.