Ont. high school teacher accused of sex crimes with student appears headed for trial

Warning: Details in this article may be disturbing and triggering to readers.

A Barrie, Ont., high school teacher accused of sex crimes involving a student appears headed for trial in the fall.

Jennifer Elise Lawrence, the 32-year-old music teacher at Maple Ridge Secondary School in Barrie, who was removed from teaching in late April 2025, is charged with sexual exploitation, child luring, sexual assault, and making sexually explicit materials available to a person under the age of 18.

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The charging documents obtained by CTV News reveal the allegations stem from incidents police said happened between February and April 2025.

According to the Ontario College of Teachers, Lawrence has been an educator for about five years with instrumental music teaching qualifications for intermediate and senior students along with special education, history, guidance, and visual arts classes.

Lawrence remains out of custody on a pledge of $1,000. As part of her release conditions, she cannot teach children. Lawrence is ordered not to be in a position of trust or authority or have any contact or communication with anyone under the age of 18.

The Simcoe County District School Board declined to comment on the teacher’s charges. Any evidence heard in court along with the identity of the complainant is protected by publication bans.

Lawrence is represented by Toronto defence lawyer Lary Jajou, who, when asked to provide comment on the case, issued a statement to CTV News.

“Ms. Lawrence maintains her innocence and will be defending these allegations in court,” said Jajou. “Given the nature and sensitivity of the matter, it is important to remember that the allegations remain unproven, and the evidence has yet to be tested.”

Jajou said the defence asks the public to “refrain from drawing conclusions and trust that the process will ensure a fair and impartial result” as the matter remains before the courts.

The trial is scheduled to begin in late September. The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.