An investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit and the Edmonton Police Service has led to child porn-related charges laid against an Edmonton teacher.

ALERT said David Belke, 56, was arrested March 17, and is facing a charge of possession of child pornography.

Officials said Belke is involved in Edmonton’s theatre community, is a well-known playwright, and was a substitute teacher in Edmonton.

At this time, ICE investigators said there is no information to suggest the accused was involved with children, but are encouraging anyone with details on this case to contact investigators.

The investigation started in late February after photos and videos involving children were found on a computer Belke dropped off at a shop for repairs. A search warrant was obtained and investigators discovered what they called a “significant amount of child exploitation material and child porn”.

“Subsequent to that, David Belke was contacted, and he met with police and was subsequently arrested and charged for possessing child porn,” Staff Sgt. Stephen Camp with ALERT said.

The investigation continues, and more charges could be possible.

Belke has been released on conditions, including he cannot be in a place where children 16-years-old or younger are present, unless they have a parent or guardian present, he can’t be within 100 metres of a public park, recreation facility, daycare, or other facility where children 16-years-old or younger would be present, and he can’t obtain or be employed or volunteer anywhere a person 16-years-old or younger could be present.

Officials with Edmonton Public Schools said Belke no longer works for the district, and said his employment ended as soon as school officials were made aware of the investigation.

Up until the end of February, Belke was a playwright at Shadow Theatre for 25 years, but he resigned at the end of February. The president of Shadow Theatre was shocked at the charge.

“This is entirely unexpected, for us, this caught us all out of left field,” Donal O’Beirne said, saying the organization learned of the charge Tuesday, when ALERT released details publicly.

O’Beirne said he hadn’t heard from Belke since he resigned.

Belke is scheduled to appear in court April 6.

With files from Susan Amerongen