Feb. 17, 2023 — Press release from the Halton Regional Police Service

The Halton Regional Police Service – Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit has arrested a former Burlington elementary school teacher in relation to a series of historical sexual assaults.

In June 2022, a victim (male) reported to police that while attending Pineland Public School in Burlington in 1982-1983, he was sexually assaulted by the suspect, who was his teacher at the school.  The victim was in grade 8 at the time.

In February 2023, a second victim (male) reported to police that while he was a grade 8 student at Pineland Public school in 1983-1984, he was also sexually assaulted by the same teacher.

The sexual assaults occurred at the school.

On February 15, 2023, investigators arrested Barbara Baxter (85) of Burlington.  She has been charged with:

  • Sexual Assault
  • Acts of Gross Indecency *

*This charge was laid due to the fact that the offence(s) took place prior to the statutory amendments to the Criminal Code in 1983.

Baxter was released on an Undertaking.

Prior to being employed by the Halton District School Board, Baxter was an employee of the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca. 

Sexual assault is any touching of another person without their consent where the touching is of a sexual nature, or where the sexual integrity of the victim is violated.  A sexual assault can range from unwanted touching to sexual assault involving penetration.

There is no statute of limitation when it comes to reporting a sexual assault.  This means that no matter how long ago the sexual assault happened, you can still report it to police for investigation. 

Victims of violence and/or sexual assault can contact the Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit at 905-825-4777 for support. 

Additional information can be found in our Sexual Assault Information Guide.               

A valuable resource for information is also available on the Survivors Voices website.