Local educators among those accused in Windsor police underage sex sting
A teacher at an Essex County high school and a professor at the University of Windsor have been confirmed as two of the men charged in a recent sting operation where police posed as minors offering sex.
On Friday, the Ontario College of Teachers told CBC Windsor that it is aware of a charge against James Pernal, 46, of Essex — a teacher at Essex District High School.
"By law, the college is unable to comment on any investigations, nor can we confirm whether an investigation may be ongoing," stated Gabrielle Barkany, senior communications officer for the OCT.
Windsor police recently disclosed that four men were arrested last month as part of an undercover operation targeting individuals allegedly seeking sex with underage females.
Police allege the four accused engaged in online communications with someone they believed to be a 16-year-old girl. The conversations allegedly included negotiating prices for sexual acts.
The "girl" was an officer posing online. The suspects were arrested when they attempted to meet with the "girl" at a designated location.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
Barkany noted that the Ontario College of Teachers has its own disciplinary processes, which begin with an investigation and can result in a discipline committee hearing.
The college's membership information on Pernal indicates he has been a registered teacher since 2004, with additional qualifications in special education.
The Greater Essex County District School Board's staff list for Essex District High School show Pernal is involved in STEPS — Skills To Enhance Personal Success, a program meant to help students with developmental disabilities, autism, and other exceptionalities.
Pernal is also known in Essex as a wrestling coach, with membership in the Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association.
Asked about Pernal's current standing with the GECDSB, the school board would only state that it cannot comment on any current employee's status.
Under "supplementary information," the OCT notes that Pernal has completed training in a sexual abuse prevention program.
Jianwen Yang, a professor with the University of Windsor, in an image from the university's website. (University of Windsor)
Meanwhile, the University of Windsor stated that it is aware of a charge against Jianwen Yang, 61 — a member of the Department of Earth Sciences.
The university's website shows Yang is a professor in geophysics, geofluids, and hydrogeology.
According to Scientific Research Publishing (SCRIP), Yang achieved his doctorate in Toronto in 1997. He is on the editorial board of several scientific journals.
The university told CBC Windsor that Yang has been put on leave as an interim measure.
"The university understands this is a criminal matter with the Windsor Police Service," a spokesperson for the university wrote. "The safety and wellness of the university community is of utmost importance."
Pernal, Yang, and the two other men arrested in the sting each face a charge of obtaining sexual services from a person under the age of 18.
