Former Saskatchewan educational assistant appeals sexual exploitation convictions

Former educational assistant Stacey Duke is back in court, with defence arguing she was not in a position of trust at the time. Mick Favel has more.

A former Saskatchewan educational assistant convicted of multiple sexual exploitation offences appeared in court to appeal her 2025 conviction.

In March 2025, a jury found Stacey Duke guilty of two counts of sexual exploitation, two counts of making explicit material available, and two counts of child luring related to incidents involving two teenagers while she was employed at Vibank Regional School in 2022. She was sentenced to 26 months in prison.

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Duke’s defence argues she was not in a position of trust or authority at the time she communicated with the teens, who were both 17 years old. The appeal also alleges the trial judge made errors in instructing the jury on the issue of trust and authority, which the defence says may have affected the verdict.

The Crown is separately appealing the sentence, seeking an increase to six years. Duke’s defence is requesting either a new trial or an acquittal.

A panel of three judges is hearing the appeal.