Former school employee faces jail for sex with student

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This article was published 05/10/2017 (2981 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A former high school staffer who was convicted of sexually exploiting a student under her supervision is maintaining her innocence as she faces a minimum one-year jail sentence.

The Crown is expected to ask for a five-year prison sentence for Sheryl Dyck, who was convicted of one count of sexual exploitation in June after Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Richard Saull decided he didn’t believe Dyck’s denial of wrongdoing and instead found the teen victim credible. But the sentencing was delayed Thursday so Dyck could be assessed by a psychologist before the judge decides on an appropriate penalty. Saull said he wanted the court to have as much information as possible about Dyck’s circumstances before he considers her sentence. She remains free on bail until her new sentencing date on January 19.

Dyck worked as an educational assistant at Elmwood High School in 2014 before she was suspended after the 17-year-old boy’s mother made a complaint to the school about Dyck’s involvement with her son. In his decision after the criminal trial, Justice Saull said he believed Dyck supplied alcohol and drugs to the student, who was 16 at the time, and had sexual intercourse with him on his 17th birthday.

Nearly a dozen of Dyck’s friends and family showed up to court in Winnipeg Thursday morning, voicing their disbelief and dissatisfaction with the justice system. They said they were “blindsided” by the sentencing process and claimed they were misled into believing they were not allowed to attend Dyck’s public trial in the spring.

Dyck, a married grandmother in her mid-40s, spoke to reporters outside court, again denying any wrongdoing.

“I’m innocent,” Dyck said, flanked by her adult daughter and her husband. She maintains that her accuser made up false allegations to get back at her. A publication ban is in place on the victim’s identity.

“I feel victimized by the way the justice system works. I’ve worked hard all my life. I’ve instilled good values in my children. I’ve helped a lot of troubled youth. I feel that I am a victim of this justice system.”

She spoke following an emotionally-charged court appearance during which Dyck’s daughter and her son-in-law from Calgary stood up to tell the judge about Dyck’s good character.

Her daughter, Chantel Lorteau, described Dyck as the family’s “rock,” and explained that she helps care for her grandchildren who have medical issues.

“My mom, she is a very beautiful, loving soul,” Lorteau said. “I just believe this is a big mistake.”

Dyck is represented by defence lawyer Gisele Champagne, but she said Thursday she is seeking a new lawyer.

After the trial, Justice Saull rejected the idea that the now-19-year-old man hatched a “diabolical plan” to bring false allegations against Dyck. He also relied on video surveillance footage that showed Dyck and the teen at a Main Street liquor store together while the teen was supposed to be in school. That happened about two weeks after Dyck was suspended from her job at the high school.

The teen told court he believed their sexual encounters were consensual even though he was underage and Dyck held a position of trust over him. He had been reluctant to make a police complaint and initially didn’t want to testify in court against Dyck. Her family said they believe the teen has been “manipulated” by the justice system.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay