This story contains details of sexual misconduct involving minors.
Kelly-Anne Jennings, a 41-year-old Grade 8 teacher from Port Hope, Ontario, has pleaded guilty to multiple sex-related charges involving her former students.
Jennings appeared before Ontario Court Justice Nathan N. Baker in Peterborough on Thursday, facing six charges stemming from 2023, including:
Child luring,
Making child pornography, and
Distributing sexually explicit material to a minor.
Several parents of victims were present in court as Jennings entered her plea. The Crown confirmed that an additional charge of sexual assault would be stayed.
According to an agreed statement of facts, Jennings used Snapchat to send and solicit explicit photos and videos from teenage boys who had previously been her students. She also sent videos of herself masturbating while under the influence of alcohol, and encouraged the teens to reciprocate.
A publication ban prevents identifying the victims or their school. One mother said in a victim impact statement:
“My son looked up to her as a second mother, someone who truly cared about him. Her actions were predatory, manipulative, and deeply harmful.”
Crown attorney Julie Ann Barrett told the court Jennings “manipulated and used” the boys to satisfy her “selfish sexual needs.”
Jennings remains on unpaid leave from the Port Hope school, which falls under Northumberland County, east of Toronto. Her Ontario College of Teachers profile still lists her as a member in good standing.
She was first charged in August 2024, after a student disclosed inappropriate physical contact on a class trip. Three more complainants later came forward.
The Crown has recommended a four-year prison sentence, while defence lawyer Dean Embry requested a conditional sentence of two years less a day, followed by probation.
Jennings is scheduled to return to court on November 27 for sentencing.
Source: CBC News
