Former student teacher who sexually assaulted teen getting out of jail, but faces deportation to U.S.

A former Surrey student teacher who sexually abused one of his students has been granted statutory release from prison after serving two-thirds of his sentence.

However, according to a recent Parole Board of Canada decision, Michael Edward Herrera is being reviewed for deportation to the U.S.

Herrera, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and was sentenced in April 2013 to 26 months in prison. At sentencing, B.C. Supreme Court Justice James Williams called Herrera’s conduct “odious” and “distressing.”

In April 2010, Herrera was a University of B.C. student on a teaching practicum at Surrey’s Queen Elizabeth Secondary School. During his time at the school, he targeted a vulnerable 15-year-old girl, sending her sexually explicit emails and instant messages that were described as grooming and manipulative.

He touched the girl’s genitals and breasts at the school and then invited her to his home for what turned out to be a violent sexual encounter. The victim was left with 29 documented injuries.  (more...)

Former student teacher who sexually assaulted teen getting out of jail, but faces deportation to U.S.