A substitute teacher from Montérégie has been sentenced to four years in prison for sexually assaulting a young student he was supposed to assist academically. Tommy Deroy exploited a supportive relationship with the girl, who was under 14, leading to inappropriate interactions. The case underscores the vulnerability of minors and the responsibility of adults to maintain boundaries. Deroy will also register as a sex offender for 20 years and is barred from working with minors for a decade.
Substitute Teacher Sentenced for Sexual Assault
SOREL-TRACY | A substitute teacher from Montérégie has been sentenced to four years in prison for the sexual assault of a young student he was meant to support academically. This case highlights the devastating impact of such abuse on vulnerable teenagers.
Judge Dominique Larochelle emphasized the need to protect adolescents, noting that their apparent consent often masks a deeper vulnerability, making them susceptible to manipulation. This sentiment echoes a ruling from the Court of Appeal.
A Troubling Relationship
The defendant, Tommy Deroy, received a four-year prison sentence following a joint recommendation from both the Crown and the defense. He pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges at the Sorel-Tracy courthouse about a year ago.
At 33 years old, Deroy initially met his victim while substituting for a math class for first-year secondary students. As the young girl struggled academically, a supportive relationship formed, leading to private lessons in his office. Communication began through the school’s Teams application but soon shifted to private conversations on Instagram.
Unfortunately, Deroy exploited this relationship, engaging in inappropriate conduct with the student, who was not yet 14 at the time. Their interactions became increasingly intimate, with witnesses observing them kissing at school and meeting outside of school hours.
During his police interrogation, Deroy claimed, “She said she loved me, she was consenting.” However, Crown prosecutor Maude Champigny asserted that he was fully aware his actions were wrong and that true consent was absent.
The judicial process has been especially challenging for the victim and her family, as she faced judgment from classmates. “It was difficult for her at school. Each court appearance felt like a deeper wound,” Champigny noted.
The Crown prosecutor expressed concern over the discussions sparked by this case on social media, emphasizing that it is always the adult’s responsibility to maintain appropriate boundaries with minors. She reiterated that victims should never be blamed for the abuse they suffer.
Just hours before beginning his sentence, Deroy shared a lengthy post on Facebook, accepting full responsibility for his actions. He will be required to register as a sex offender for 20 years and will be prohibited from holding positions of authority over minors for the next decade.