Jyväskylä primary school teacher suspended over serious child sex crime allegations

A primary school teacher in Jyväskylä has been suspended from duty amid allegations of multiple serious sexual offences against children, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports. The 43-year-old man, arrested last week, is suspected of aggravated rape and sexual exploitation of minors, with police investigating whether there may be additional victims.

The teacher, who worked at a Jyväskylä elementary school, was suspended by the school’s principal following his arrest. According to the decision, he lacks the conditions to perform his official duties. His salary has also been withheld pending the outcome of the criminal investigation, potential prosecution, and trial.

Central Finland District Court remanded the suspect in custody last week on charges including two counts of aggravated rape of a child, two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, and two counts of coercion into a sexual act. The alleged crimes occurred in 2020 and 2021 in Jyväskylä and Hollola, though police state they are not connected to his workplace or professional role.

The suspect has been involved in scouting and Salvation Army activities. Police have urged anyone who believes they may have been a victim to come forward, as further offences cannot be ruled out.

Eino Leisimo, director of Jyväskylä’s education department, told Yle that he had never encountered a similar case in his career. The city is now reviewing its recruitment practices after it emerged the accused had no prior criminal record.