A 30-year-old woman from Hamilton is facing charges of sexual assault and other offenses for allegedly assaulting a vulnerable student while posing as an educational assistant within the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. The accused, Karly Tripp, reportedly met the underage student needing support while employed in the school system. The incidents are said to have taken place during interactions outside of her official duties, where the victim’s family was misled to believe Tripp was a certified respite worker.
Jason Alexander, the superintendent of human resources and staff well-being at the board, acknowledged that additional charges have been brought by the police in connection with a sexual assault investigation involving a former employee. He emphasized the board’s commitment to the safety and welfare of students and confirmed that Tripp was no longer employed by the HWDSB after it was discovered that her police check had been falsified. The board is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation in collaboration with the Hamilton police.
Tripp is also implicated in a separate case involving horse theft, where she faces charges of sexual assault, assault, voyeurism, and uttering death threats. She is currently in custody on unrelated charges and is scheduled for a bail hearing in Hamilton. It was noted that she had been arrested by Halton police in May for stealing a horse, using an alias to arrange a meeting with the victim under false pretenses, and impersonating the victim to obtain confidential information from schools associated with them.
Authorities suspect there may be additional victims linked to the sexual assault case in Hamilton and urge anyone with information to come forward. Concerned individuals can contact the police or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers. In case of immediate danger or safety concerns, individuals are encouraged to call 911. Support resources and crisis lines are also available through the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database for those in need.
