Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Local News

Former Richmond teacher charged with child porn possession

Joey McLeod taught math, planning and drama at McMath secondary for six years
Alan Campbell
Alan Campbell
McMath secondary
McMath secondary in Richmond, where Joey McLeod taught for six yearsGoogle Maps streetview

A former Richmond school teacher has been charged with possession of child pornography.

The RCMP opened an investigation into Joseph (AKA Joey) Scott William McLeod last fall after receiving information from its integrated child exploitation unit.

McLeod, 40, is understood to have taught math at McMath secondary on and around 2013.

But according to the former teacher's own website, he was at the school for six years and also taught planning and drama.

A spokesperson for the Richmond School District confirmed that McLeod was a teacher in the district in 2013.

He was arrested on Jan. 7 this year after officers executed a search warrant.

Shortly afterwards, McLeod was suspended from his current role as a Grade 8 counsellor at West Vancouver secondary.

In July, the Crown swore one charge of possession of child pornography against McLeod, 40.

West Vancouver school district superintendent Chris Kennedy told the North Shore News that McLeod is no longer in the schools.

“The district was informed of Mr. McLeod’s arrest on Jan. 7, 2021, and he has not returned to work since then. He was suspended, without pay, on Jan. 11. The RCMP have indicated the charge filed in July is not connected to our students or schools but any further questions about this should be directed to the RCMP.”

McLeod had worked at West Vancouver Secondary since the fall of 2017, Kennedy added, and the district has informed the Teacher Regulation Branch. McLeod is currently not eligible to teach in B.C.

McLeod is under bail conditions to stay away from pools, playgrounds and community centres where people under the age of 18 are known to gather unless his bail supervisor gives him permission. He is also banned from being in contact or alone with anyone under the age of 14 unless another adult is present. His bail conditions also prohibit him from volunteering or working with anyone under 18 and he is prohibited from accessing pornography.

McLeod, who has not yet entered a plea, is due back in court Sept. 29.

With files from Brent Richter/North Shore News