Vernon teacher faces sex charges

A Vernon school teacher is facing several sex related charges.

Deborah Ashton, 43, appeared in court Thursday, charged with invitation to sexual touching, sexual assault and touching for sexual purposes a person under 14 years.

"The allegations were brought to the attention of the police in June of this year. The dates of the alleged offences range between 2002 and 2005 while the teacher was working within the district," says RCMP Sergeant, David Evans.

"The Vernon School District was made aware of the allegations at the time it was reported to police and has been working closely with the police during this investigation."

He says RCMP are not releasing the gender, age or which school the alleged victim attended.

Evans adds Ashton was still employed with the Vernon School District when the allegations surfaced.

He says she is not actively teaching.