A Vernon teacher is alleged to have been sexually involved with a student.

The RCMP received reports in June about alleged offences by a teacher between 2002 and 2005, and the police recently wrapped up their investigation.

Police are saying little about the case, and no details are being provided, including the gender of the victim.

“The victim was under the age of 14 at the time so we can’t get into specifics about identity,” said Sgt. David Evans.

The police are also not disclosing information about the school that the teacher and student were at.

“It would lend too easily to the identity of the victim,” said Evans.

The Vernon School District was notified of the allegations after the initial complaint was filed with the RCMP in June. Since that time, officials with the district have been working closely with the police during the investigation.

“Our first priority is and always will be the safety and well being of our students, and making sure that we provide a safe learning environment for them,” said Bob Peacock, district superintendent, in a written statement.

Peacock added that immediate action was taken in June to ensure students’ safety.

“The district takes its role of protecting student welfare very seriously and will act quickly on any information that comes to its attention. Sexual exploitation of young people is never acceptable.”

The teacher is currently not working in the district, and Peacock was not willing to discuss information about the suspect.

“I am not at liberty to speak about matters relating to personnel or that are before the courts,” he said.

In an interview with The Morning Star, Peacock confirmed that the district has been in contact with the child’s family.

“The general step is that support is provided,” said Peacock.

Three charges have been laid against Deborah Ashton, 43, of Vernon.

The charges include invitation to sexual touching, sexual assault and touching for the sexual purposes of a person under 14 years.

Ashton appeared in court Thursday for her first appearance, and she is scheduled to be back in court Oct. 22.