Ontario vice-principal charged with child luring, sexual exploitation
A longtime educator in the Waterloo region has been arrested and charged in a probe into child luring and the distribution of child sexual abuse material. Police say the 50-year-old vice-principal was taken into custody on Feb. 13, 2026 (ET) after a multi-jurisdictional investigation that involved investigators from several Ontario police services.
Charges and arrest
Police have charged 50-year-old Michel Pleau with a string of offences that include possession, production and distribution of child sexual assault and abuse material, invitation to sexual touching, and luring a child under the age of 16. Authorities say the arrest occurred on Feb. 13, 2026 (ET) and that the accused is a resident of Cambridge, Ont.
Multi-agency investigation
Investigators from regional police in Waterloo worked alongside units in Toronto and members of a provincial Internet Child Exploitation unit based in another city. That unit, which carries a provincial mandate to investigate online child exploitation, assisted with the probe. Police characterize the operation as part of coordinated efforts to identify and disrupt online child sexual exploitation in Ontario.
School board notified, community support pledged
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board has been notified of the arrest. Board officials say they will cooperate with investigators and are focused on supporting the school community. Police have emphasized the alleged offences are not related to any students from that school board.
Background on the accused
Public professional profiles indicate Pleau studied at Laurentian University from 2004 to 2007 and has been employed with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board for many years. Records show he has served in a vice-principal role. Police have not released additional personal details as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.
What comes next
Investigators ask anyone with information to contact officers assisting the inquiry. The matter will continue through the courts, and police say further details may be released as the investigation develops. The multi-jurisdictional nature of the probe highlights ongoing provincial efforts to tackle online child sexual exploitation and bring alleged offenders to justice.
