Music P.E.I. has rescinded two awards given to Aaron Crane.
In September, Crane pleaded guilty to sexual interference for incidents involving a girl under the age of 16.
In a released statement, Music P.E.I. said it hopes rescinding the awards sends a message that Crane’s actions were unacceptable and will not be tolerated within the industry.
“We believe it’s important to take action and to send a message on behalf of our members to the music community of Prince Edward Island,” said board president Catherine MacLellan in the statement.
The decision was made by the board of directors on Nov. 17 after a special meeting was held on Nov. 3 to amend the organization’s bylaws, allowing the takeback of the awards.
Crane, a P.E.I. music teacher, had been awarded educator of the year in 2016 and musician of the year in 2013.
Crane sexually abused the minor for about seven months in what she described as a relationship, sometimes picking her up daily, the court heard in an agreed statement of facts.
Crane is expected to appear in court for sentencing on Nov. 23. He also faces two more charges related to the same victim.
