David Buetti, 41, has been charged with five counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual interference for alleged offenses between Feb. 1 and May 31, 2022, RCMP announced Wednesday. The offenses allegedly occurred at Steinbach Regional High School, where Buetti worked as both a teacher and coach from February to June. RCMP say they received several reports of the teacher being sexually assaulted on June 17. The alleged victims in this case came forward to a confidant, RCMP Sgt. Morgan Page said at a press conference Wednesday morning. The school department then reported to the police through the school social worker. Other female students came forward and provided information that helped the investigation, RCMP said. Buetti was arrested on July 4. In a statement, the Hanover School Department said it was placed on leave immediately after learning of the allegations. A spokesperson told CBC News that he is no longer employed by the department. The department “takes the allegations seriously and is taking the necessary precautions to ensure the matter is properly investigated,” according to its emailed statement.
Worked in 4 Winnipeg schools
Police also released information Wednesday about his employment history at several Winnipeg schools dating back more than a decade. He worked at Holy Ghost School from 2006 to 2007 and at St. John Brebeuf School from 2007 to 2018. He then worked at Holy Cross School for a four-month period in 2020 and at River East Collegiate for a six-month period in 2021. The River East Transcona School District posted a message on Facebook, saying Bueti worked at River East Collegiate from February to June 2021 and was a substitute teacher in the department at the start of the 2021-22 school year. The department said it recognizes the allegations “will be disturbing and upsetting to many students, their families, as well as staff,” but that it is not aware of any incidents during Buetti’s employment there. Bueti coached rugby at Steinbach Regional High School, RCMP Sgt. Paige said, but she didn’t know his coaching status at any of the other schools. Page said police know of no other victims in this case. “But that’s why we’re here today — to inform the public of the arrest and the charges in this case, and then to provide the information about David Bueti’s employment history, to inform the public that this gentleman worked in the school system prior to these serious allegations,” he said. There is no time limit for reporting a sexual assault to the police, Page said. Buetti has been released under conditions while the investigation is ongoing. Those conditions include not having contact with the alleged victims, not being in a position of authority with anyone under the age of 16, and not going to schools, playgrounds or anywhere anyone under the age of 16 might be expected to be. Anyone with information is asked to call Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-1234. Alternatively, they can call their local police department or the Klinic’s 24/7 sexual assault crisis line at 204-786-8631 or toll-free at 1-888-292-7565. Support is available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted through Klinic’s 24/7 Sexual Assault Crisis Line. In Winnipeg, call 204-786-8631 or call toll-free 1-888-292-7565. You can also access crisis lines and local support services through this Government of Canada website or the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety or the safety of others around you, call 911.
