A Calgary teacher has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage student

A Calgary teacher is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.

According to Calgary police, the victim, who is an adult, reported being sexually assaulted by a teacher on multiple occasions between 2000 and 2003.

Investigators believe the incident began when the victim was a 14-year-old student at École Sainte-Marguerite-Burgeoys in southwest Calgary. The victim said the suspect “had an inappropriate relationship with her,” and police believe the assaults went on for several years.

“It is believed that the teacher used his position of trust to befriend and develop an ongoing sexual relationship with the victim,” police said in a statement. “Several attacks are believed to have occurred in his vehicle and at his residence.”

Mario Joseph Denis Arsenault, 54, of Quebec, faces three charges, including two counts of sexual exploitation and one count of sexual assault.

He is scheduled to appear in court on June 6.

“It takes a lot of courage for victims of sexual assault to come forward, especially when they're being exploited by someone they trust,” said Calgary Police Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson said in a statement. “Young people cannot freely and reasonably consent to any sexual activity with a person of trust and authority, whether they consent or not.”

Anyone with more information about the incident should contact police.