Steinbach RCMP arrested a southern Manitoba high school teacher and coach on Wednesday after sexual assault allegations from a number of students..The accused, David Bueti, was charged with five counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual interference..Bueti is from Winnipeg and police warned he worked in several Winnipeg schools..The 41-year-old taught and coached rugby from February to June 2022 at Steinbach Regional Secondary School..RCMP arrested Bueti after six students went to a “trusted” person at the school, saying between February and May 2022, they had been sexually assaulted..“The students in this situation came forward to a trusted person for them and the school division reported it through the school social worker and then, in turn, reported it to the RCMP,” said Sgt. Morgan Page at a Wednesday press conference..Page said more female students provided additional information, which helped the investigation. .All the alleged assaults happened on school property and the students were between 15 and 18 years old at the time..During the press conference, Page said that one reason for the conference was to make people aware of all the schools where Bueti taught in case there are more victims..“That’s why we’re here today, to make the public aware of the arrest and the charges in this case, and then give the information regarding David Bueti’s employment history to make the public aware this gentleman was working in the school system prior to these serious allegations,” said Page..“If you are a survivor, we encourage you to talk to a trusted person that could be a parent or guardian.”.The court released Bueti from jail on several conditions, including not to work with anyone under the age of 16 and no contact with the alleged victims..Upon learning of the allegations against Bueti in Steinbach, the Hanover School Division put him on “immediate leave” and fired him..Hanover School Division superintendent Shelley Amos said the school division is cooperating with RCMP investigators..“The division is treating the allegations seriously and taking the necessary precautions to ensure that the matter is properly investigated,” said Amos..“While the division is precluded from providing any details regarding the allegations, the division can advise the appropriate authorities have conduct of the matter and will be addressing the matter in accordance with their internal processes and procedures.”.Bueti worked at several Winnipeg schools before taking a position at the Steinbach school. He spent six months at River East Collegiate from February to June 2021, and four months at Holy Cross School in 2020..From 2006 to 2007, he taught at Holy Ghost School and from 2007 to 2018 at St. John Brebeuf school..Amanda Gaudes, River East Transcona School Division (RETSD) senior communications coordinator, said the RETSD are not aware of any incidents with their students..RETSD wants to encourage anyone affected to contact the investigators..“We recognize these allegations will be disturbing and unsettling for many students, their families, as well as staff. We share your concerns,” said Gaudes in a statement..“Our priority has, and always will be, the safety and well-being of our students.”.The police investigation is still open. Page asked anyone with information to call the Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-1234.
