The day before ex-teacher Dustin Epp was supposed to be sentenced for four sex-related crimes, he left an eerie social media post.
“Day 1,096,” his last message on his Facebook page, published on Monday all in lower-case letters began. “#reviews #earth 1974-2023. it was a tough load-in, not going to lie. but earth girls are beautiful! 10/10.”
“((goodbye, everyone! enjoy the game, and have fun. thanks for listening and not existing. im off to see the wizard…)))
On Tuesday morning, Epp, 48, a former physics and computer science teacher at Oakridge secondary school, failed to show up for his Ontario Court sentencing hearing before Justice Kevin McHugh.
The sentence contemplated would send Epp to prison. He pleaded guilty last fall to voyeurism, sexual interference, possession of child pornography and production of child pornography. The charges laid against him almost three years ago involved a sexual relationship with a student.
After the matter was called first thing on Tuesday morning and it was clear Epp was not in attendance, McHugh stood the matter down in hopes he might be running late and would show up. When it became apparent he would not be attending, McHugh issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
London police officers were sent to Epp’s London address but could not find him. His sentencing is now in limbo until he is located.
Police later appealed to the public for help in finding Epp.
He was last seen Monday evening in the area of Andover Drive and Viscount Road, police said in a news release. Epp has a medium build, is about six feet, two inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds. He may be driving a silver 2012 Nissan Maxima with Ontario licence plate ANXT 957.
Police said they are concerned about Epp’s welfare and asked anyone with information about his whereabouts to call them at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
