Two teachers charged in connection with underage prostitution investigation in Windsor

Two Windsor-Essex education professionals are among those facing charges in connection with an investigation into underage prostitution in Windsor.

One of the defendants is a professor at the University of Windsor and another is a teacher at a high school in Essex.

A statement made to AM800 News from the University of Windsor on Friday confirmed that Dr. Jianwen Yang was placed on leave.

The statement reads: “Dr. Jianwen Yang is a faculty member. The university was alerted yesterday to the announcement by Windsor Police of the charges against Dr. Yang attentive. Yang was placed on leave as an interim measure. The university is aware that this is a criminal matter. The safety and well-being of the University community is of the utmost importance.

AM800 News also sent an email asking if the Ontario College of Teachers had been notified of the arrest of 46-year-old James Pernal, a teacher at Essex District High School in Essex.

The college issued an email response Thursday saying, “The college is aware of the allegations.”

The response continued: “The college is not legally able to comment on investigations, nor can we confirm whether an investigation may be underway.”

An email request was also sent to the Greater Essex County District School Board.

A spokesperson tells AM800 News that “the GECDSB cannot comment on the status of any current employee.”

“In all cases where an employee is accused or charged with illegal activity, the GECDSB follows its internal processes and procedures and we cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities.”

On May 9, Windsor police announced that four people had been arrested and charged following an undercover operation launched in April to investigate an underage prostitution operation.

Members of the Windsor Police Morality Unit and the OPP Intelligence-Led Joint Forces Strategy Anti Human Trafficking Unit teamed up to conduct the investigation.

According to police, officers used a popular website to communicate with suspects who attempted to offer an underage girl money in exchange for sexual acts.

In online conversations, the suspects negotiated a specific price with an undercover agent posing as a 16-year-old girl and then agreed to meet at a location to engage in sexual activity.

When the suspects arrived at the designated meeting point, they were immediately arrested by the police.

Yang, Pernal and two other suspects – 28-year-old Wissam Charaf of Windsor; and 59-year-old Stephen Merner, of no fixed address, were also charged with obtaining sexual services from a person under 18 years of age.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Morality Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4343. You can also submit tips anonymously to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.catchcrooks.com.