Police Examine Possible Inappropriate Messaging Between Bergi School Teacher and Pupils

The State Police in Latvia have launched a preliminary check into the possibly inappropriate messaging of a teacher at the Bergi Music and Art Primary School with pupils. The check followed a complaint from the school, according to "TV3 Ziņas". This type of check is an initial stage in which police establish the circumstances and assess whether further action is needed.

The 43-year-old teacher taught biology to the seventh, eighth and ninth grades and worked at the school for just two days.

What the school principal says

Principal Alma Brinkmane said she learned of the situation almost simultaneously from pupils' parents, who contacted her on 29 September, and from the teacher himself, who announced that he could not continue working. According to her, the school found that the teacher had invited pupils during lessons to join his channel on the Snapchat app and had sent them various photographs in the evenings. The principal noted that she has not seen any of them herself. School management turned to the police.

Police information

The police confirmed that they had received a report that a person, possibly via social media, had engaged in sexual and violent communication with minors. Officers are establishing the circumstances and verifying the information. The person who may be involved has been identified. Police declined to give further comment, including whether the teacher has been detained and whether he had previously come to their attention.

The teacher's work history

According to "TV3 Ziņas", the teacher had earlier worked in Grobiņa and Daugavpils, changing workplaces relatively often. He has 20 years of teaching experience. The principal explained that before hiring him she checked the Punishment Register, which held no information about him. At the job interview, the candidate presented himself as an experienced teacher.