Former Nanaimo teacher banned after online sting bust

A recently published consent resolution agreement from the BC Commissioner for Teacher Regulation outlined Pavan’s conduct, which featured a mix of app-based and text messages.

Late on the evening of March 14, 2023, on the dating app Grindr, Pavan, under the username Big Bear, initiated a conversation with the decoy.

The decoy declared he was 14 years old, with Pavan asking if the youth had additional pictures.

‘Ya but I’m not sending any dirty stuff,” the decoy stated, with Pavan responding: “I wasn’t asking, I don’t wanna go to jail.”

A sample of the messages between Pavan and the decoy. (Image Credit: South Island Predator Publishing)

The pair then discussed the possibilities of meeting and going for a walk.

Pavan stated: “Ok. Think you’re up for it? Or too nervous?”

The ‘youth’ then requested a picture, with Pavan stating the request was too risky.

“There’s like vigilantes and cops I dunno if you’re real.”

The pair picked up their conversation the following night, followed by a third exchange of messages a third night, culminating in a meet-up.

Late on the evening of March 16, the pair met at the Tim Hortons location on Wallace St. where the decoy confronted Pavan, who initially denied his identity, then drove off.

The seven-year teaching prohibition means Pavan will not be issued a teaching certificate to teach at any public or independent kindergarten to grade 12 in the province during the ban.

Pavan had previously served as a social justice advocate in SD68, which included forming policies to create a more inclusive learning environment.

Pavan represents the second educator nabbed by Bruce.

In 2022, Bruce also used Grindr to meet up with former Aspengrove School principal Mark Pierotti, who thought the vigilante hunter was a 15-year-old boy.

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Former Nanaimo teacher banned after online sting bust

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