Toronto teacher charged in sexual assault against a student in York Region

A Toronto man has been charged in connection with a sexual assault from this past summer involving a teenage student in York Region.

On Wednesday (June 5), York Regional Police launched an investigation after a student reported being sexually assaulted by a teacher.

Police have not specified whether the student is male or female and to protect the victim’s identity, the name and location of the school are not being released.

Tony Paniccia, 47, of Toronto is facing multiple charges including three counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual exploitation and one count of luring a child.

Police say the accused has been a high school teacher for 22 years, including five with the York Catholic District School Board.

In addition, police are reminding the public that a sexual assault involves any non-consensual sexual contact. Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to report incidents including historical cases, as there is no statute of limitations for such offences in Canada.

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Those seeking support but not ready to report can access resources through York Region Victim Services, the Cedar Centre or the Women’s Support Network.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7075, or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.