Listen to this article
Estimated 1 minute
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
An Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) teacher has pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
Court heard Stephen Ruth, 40, shared images online of girls between the ages of 10 and 12.
The streaming and social media platform Kick flagged the activity to Ottawa police at the end of 2024.
A police investigation found an email address Ruth had used to register on the platform was associated with his work at the OCDSB, but court heard that none of the material was directly related to his position as a teacher.
Police arrested Ruth at his home in January. A search of his residence found several images of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The school board said in an emailed statement in January that Ruth was placed on leave the moment it learned of the charge.
After his arrest, Ruth admitted to the crime and told investigators he was ashamed and embarrassed. In court on Monday, Ruth told the judge he was guilty.
He will be sentenced later this summer.