Matthew Mousseau, a former employee of the Seven Oaks School Division, has pleaded guilty to multiple sex offenses involving minors. The 38-year-old appeared in court in Winnipeg on Wednesday, admitting to charges associated with five female youths and other unidentified victims over a five-year period. His charges include two counts of sexual exploitation, and one count each of luring, accessing child sexual abuse material, voyeurism, indecent exposure, and providing liquor to minors. Mousseau will remain in custody pending a sentencing date, as pre-sentencing reports are underway.
Background of the Case
Mousseau worked with the Seven Oaks School Division from September 2016 until October 2020. He served first as an educational support worker from 2016 to 2018, then transitioned to a student-parent support role until his departure. Prior to his arrest, he was associated with the division’s Wayfinders mentorship program.
Details of the Arrest
His legal troubles began in May 2024, following an investigation into shoplifting at Polo Park mall. During this investigation, police discovered Mousseau had a cellphone with a makeshift hidden camera, which he had positioned in a shopping bag. On reviewing the device, authorities found videos of Mousseau closely approaching females, alongside disturbing content depicting young girls in sexual acts.
Subsequent Charges
In July 2024, during police questioning about allegations involving a 17-year-old girl, Mousseau admitted to having inappropriate sexual contact with her. He revealed that he had regularly viewed child sexual abuse material, even up to three times weekly. A search warrant led to the discovery of evidence that he had surreptitiously recorded individuals at the Seven Oaks Pool from April 2023 to May 2024.
Victim Testimonies
In October 2024, a detailed video statement from a female student emerged. The student shared how Mousseau had manipulated her while she was grieving recent family losses, leading to increasingly personal conversations. He later met her, using her vulnerability to initiate sexual relations.
Exploitative Communications
- Mousseau contacted a 15-year-old via Facebook, offering to provide her and a friend with alcohol.
- He was accused of exploiting another former student, who was only 17 at the time, over several months in 2019.
The Crown is expected to request a maximum sentence of up to 28 years for Mousseau when the court reconvenes for sentencing. As this troubling case unfolds, it highlights crucial issues surrounding the protection of minors within educational settings.
