A Surrey school support worker faces charges of sexual assault and exploitation involving a youth. Police ask anyone with info to come forward.
Support Worker at Surrey High School Faces Assault Charges
A youth support worker at a Surrey high school has been charged in connection with a reported sexual assault involving a student. The charges stem from an incident in 2024 and involve a man who was in a position of trust at the time.
Surrey Police Service announced the charges on Wednesday, May 14. Henry Roger Lorteau now faces one count of sexual assault and two counts of sexual exploitation.
Allegations Tied to Support Role at Kwantlen Park Secondary
According to police, Lorteau is alleged to have entered into a relationship with a youth while working in a support capacity at a local high school. The youth was reportedly a student at Kwantlen Park Secondary.
Sgt. Tige Pollock stated in a release that the relationship began after the accused met the youth through his role at the school.
School District Responds, Employee Removed from Position
Surrey Schools spokesperson Rena Heer confirmed in an official statement that the district became aware of the incident and took immediate action. The accused has been on leave since October.
“The incident involved a former student from Kwantlen Park and a Surrey Schools employee,” Heer stated. “The district immediately reported the matter to police and removed the employee from the school.”
She also confirmed that the student and their family have been connected to ongoing support services through the district.
Legal Process Underway, Public Asked to Assist
Due to a publication ban, the gender of the alleged victim has not been released. Lorteau was released from custody under bail conditions and is expected to appear in court on May 23, 2025.
Surrey Police are urging anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the Surrey Police Service non-emergency line at 604-599-0502, referencing file number 24-154899 (SU).
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for continued coverage and updates on this developing case.
