Halton Regional Police have arrested a former Burlington elementary school teacher in relation to a series of historical sexual assaults.
In June 2022, police say a male victim reported that while attending Pineland Public School in Burlington in 1982-1983, he was allegedly sexually assaulted by the suspect, who was his teacher at the school. The victim was in Grade 8 at the time.
In February 2023, a second male victim reported to police that while he was a Grade 8 student at the same school in 1983-1984, he was also allegedly sexually assaulted by the same teacher.
Police say the alleged incidents occurred at the school.
On Feb. 15, investigators arrested Barbara Baxter, 85, of Burlington. She has been charged with:
• Sexual assault
• Acts of gross indecency*
*This charge was laid due to the fact that the offence(s) took place prior to the statutory amendments to the Criminal Code in 1983.
Baxter was released on an undertaking.
Prior to being employed by the Halton District School Board, Baxter was an employee of the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777, ext. 8970.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the website.
