Two local educators are among those charged last week in a sting by Windsor Police aimed at underage prostitution.
Police arrested four men, 46-year-old James Pernal of Essex, 61-year-old Jianwen Yang of Windsor, 28-year-old Wissam Charaf of Windsor, and 59-year-old Stephen Merner of no fixed address.
The four await trial on charges of obtaining sexual services from a person under 18 years of age. Until then, the charges have not been proven in court.
A Google search of Pernal's name revealed he is a Skills to Enhance Personal Success, or S.T.E.P.S. teacher at Essex District High School. The staff list for the high school in Essex was down Monday morning.
"We can't comment on any current employee's status," wrote Public Relations Officer at the Greater Essex County District School Board Scott Scantlebury. "In any circumstance where an employee is accused of or charged with an illegal activity, the GECDSB follows its internal processes and procedures, and we cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies."
The Ontario College of Teachers lists him online as a member of good standing.
Ratemyprofessor.com lists Yang as a professor in the Earth Sciences Department at the University of Windsor.
The University of Windsor responded with a statement reading, "The University became aware of the charges against Dr. Yang [on Friday] with the announcement by Windsor Police Services. As a result of this news and the nature of the charges, Dr. Yang has been placed on leave as an interim measure. The safety and wellness of the university community is of utmost importance."
Investigators from the Windsor Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police's Intelligence-Led Joint Forces Anti-Human Trafficking Unit charged the men after setting up a fake profile on a popular website. They posed as an underage girl willing to sell sexual services for money. Officers swooped in when the suspects arrived for a meeting with undercover officers.
* With files from Mark Brown.