William Munton has been charged in connection with four fires from the summer of 2014.

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ALSO CHARGED WITH CHILD PORN; SUSPENDED IN AUGUST PENDING HEARING

VERNON - A Vernon man facing charges of arson and child pornography had a valid teaching certificate at the time of the alleged offences, and for roughly two months after he was arrested.

According to the B.C. Teacher Regulation branch, William Murray Munton’s teaching certificate was suspended Aug. 11, 2016 pending an inquiry into his conduct. His certificate is still technically valid, although he is not currently authorized to practice.

The 55-year-old was arrested in early June and charged with four counts of arson. In the weeks that followed and police continued to investigate, his list of charges grew to include 19 counts of arson, as well as one count of possession of child pornography and two counts of making or publishing child pornography. The arsons are alleged to have occurred in 2014, while the child porn allegations stem from 2011 and 2015.

Munton previously taught at Salmon Arm Secondary School, but was terminated with cause in 2005, School District 83 confirmed. It's unclear if he taught elsewhere in the province since 2005.

The Ministry of Education declined an interview because it does not comment on specific cases, but did provide general information about the disciplinary process.

According to the ministry, the process begins with a preliminary review to determine if any action will be taken, such as initiating an investigation. Cases may be deferred if the matter is being addressed by another process, such as a criminal trial.

If the commissioner thinks there is a serious risk to the health or safety of students, an order can be made to suspend the teacher’s certificate until the final outcome is determined by a hearing or consent resolution.

Decisions are publicly posted online, unless it would “cause significant hardship to a person who was harmed by the teacher.”

Munton is accused of setting fire to the Kin Race Track grandstands and hundreds of B.C. Tree Fruit packing boxes, as well as dumpsters, vacant buildings, boats and vehicles. He also faces a count of intentionally or recklessly causing damage by fire or explosion to a duplex under construction on 41 Avenue knowing or being reckless to the fact the property was inhabited or occupied.

He has been released from custody on conditions and returns to the Vernon Courthouse Nov. 3.

The allegations against him have not been proven in court. 

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