Evidence of sexual misconduct found against former Barry’s Bay Catholic teacher

An independent investigation of a former teacher at a Catholic school in the Ottawa Valley has found evidence of sexual misconduct.

Uwe Lieflander worked at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College in Barry’s Bay from 2007 to 2017, when the incident was alleged to have happened.

The independent investigator hired by the school found that Lieflander committed sexualized misconduct against a former student, but that it happened after she graduated.

However, the investigator says Lifelander abused her emotionally and psychologically while she was a student, with the abuse becoming sexual after graduation.

It was also concluded that school staff ignored warning signs of a potential problem involving Lieflander and the student.

In a statement, the school says there is no evidence or allegation that Lieflander engaged in misconduct with any other student, and that it is taking steps to protect students — including developing a stand-alone sexual violence policy.

Ottawa police announced a sexual assault charge against Lieflander in 2019, but he’s believed to be out of the country as of late.