A support worker who works with youth at a Surrey high school has been charged in connection with allegations of a sexual assault between an adult man and a youth in 2024.
Henry Roger Lorteau has been charged with one count of sexual assault and two counts of sexual exploitation, Surrey Police Service said Wednesday (May 14).
"The man is alleged to have entered a relationship with the youth upon meeting the youth while providing supports at a local area high school," Sgt. Tige Pollock said in a news release.
Surrey Schools spokesperson Rena Heer stated in an email to the Surrey Now-Leader that the school district is "aware of the incident involving a former student from Kwantlen Park (Secondary) and a Surrey Schools employee who has been on leave since October."
Heer added that the district reported the incident to police when they became aware and "removed the employee from the school."
"The student and their family were immediately connected – and remain connected - to supports through Surrey Schools," she said.
Surrey Police say they won't release the gender of the alleged victim, citing the presence of a publication ban.
Lorteau was released from custody with bail conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on May 23, 2025.
Police are notifying the public about this case and are asking anyone who may have additional information to contact SPS non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 24-154899 (SU).
