Police investigate more potential victims in teacher abuse case

Police are investigating specific names and tips that could lead to more potential victims after a teacher in Nordre Follo was arrested and charged with sexual offences, Dagbladet reports.

Police prosecutor Camilla Elvevoll said officers had received tips on Monday and Tuesday and were working to clarify them.

“We have received tips that make us believe they could lead to more victims,” Elvevoll told Dagbladet.

Police are examining whether there are other people with whom the suspect had a relationship either as a teacher or through his work in two local churches.

The man, who is in his 40s and teaches at a lower secondary school in Nordre Follo, is charged with exploiting his position of power to obtain sexual activity and with sexual activity involving a minor aged between 14 and 16, Elvevoll said.

A woman now in her 20s reported him to police in July. The alleged offence dates from 2019, when she was under 16 and attended lower secondary school.

The suspect was arrested at a public place in Nordre Follo on Wednesday evening. The arrest was carried out without incident, but police have not disclosed the exact location.

Police delayed announcing the arrest because they wanted to notify the school, parents and potentially affected people at the churches, Elvevoll said.

Police are reviewing electronic devices seized in the investigation. The basis for keeping the man in custody is the risk that evidence could be destroyed or compromised, Elvevoll said.

The man denies criminal liability. His lawyer, Tone Monclair, said on Monday that he had given a statement and wanted to cooperate, but that the investigation was at an early stage.