By Bryn Levy

Former teacher ‘not guilty’ of sexual exploitation

May 25, 2015 | 10:14 AM

A judge delivered his verdict in the case of Erin Osmond who was charged with sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old boy back in 2013.

During the trial, it came out that Osmond had been a substitute teacher at the boy’s school in Watrous. They began a sexual relationship in March 2013, shortly after her contract at the school ended.

You could see the tension ease out of Osmond’s shoulders as the judge found her not guilty on charges stemming from two incidents.

First was a pair of kisses exchanged between the two in mid-February 2013. The judge noted that at this time, Osmond was still contracted as a substitute teacher at the boy’s school. However, he said there was a reasonable doubt that the kisses were sexual in nature.The judge pointed to testimony from Osmond and the boy where each said the kisses were seen as goodbyes.

Second, the judge addressed sexual encounters between the two in March 2013.

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By then, Osmond’s contract had expired, so the judge found that she was no longer in a position of authority over the boy.

While the judge said there was plenty of reason to call the relationship between the then-28-year-old Osmond and the boy inappropriate, he noted there wasn’t enough evidence to call it illegal.

Specifically, the judge noted that at 16, the boy was old enough to legally give consent. He then pointed to testimony and text messages where it appeared as if the boy was in control of the relationship.

The judge also noted that the boy bragged to at least a dozen of his friends after the two had sex.

Looking relieved after the verdict, Osmond hugged her defence lawyer and left the courthouse.

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