Current:Home > MarketsMinnesota teacher of 'vulnerable students' accused of having sex with student-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Minnesota teacher of 'vulnerable students' accused of having sex with student
View Date:2025-01-11 15:23:53
A Minnesota high school teacher of students with developmental and cognitive disabilities was arrested on criminal sexual misconduct charges for allegedly having sex with a former student, several outlets reported.
Ann Margaret Bacon, 24, of Hastings, was charged on Monday in Ramsey County District Court with one count of felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to a criminal complaint reviewed by USA TODAY.
According to the criminal complaint Bacon is accused of starting a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student about a month before he graduated last year. Bacon is also accused of buying alcohol for minors and “smoking weed” with minors.
A school resource officer and the Tartan High School administration received a report from a witness on Feb. 6, that Bacon had sex with the former student.
Bacon resigned from her role on Thursday. Both the school resource officer and school officials informed police about the reports and Bacon was questioned and arrested.
Inappropriate relationship first reported in July 2023
The witness said she and a friend initially reported the relationship between Bacon and the student in July 2023 but were not able to produce any evidence at the time, according to the criminal complaint. When school officials questioned Bacon about the reports at that time, she denied having “inappropriate interactions with students,” and no further action was taken.
The witness reported Bacon again this month because she was concerned about Bacon continuing to teach, and, "as a special education teacher, had access to vulnerable students," the complaint said.
According to the complaint, Bacon had sex with the student on five different occasions at a motel in Vadnais Heights between May 8 and July 4 and at her apartment in St. Paul in July 2023.
A second witness told law enforcement that she was in a relationship with the victim that ended in January 2024 after she learned that he still had contact with Bacon. The ex-girlfriend said she found sexually explicit messages and nude photos of Bacon on the victim’s phone. Some of the images, including videos of Bacon drinking with the student and his friends were from May 2023.
The ex-girlfriend also told police that Bacon bought her and other friends alcohol. According to the complaint, she said her cousin, who was 17 years-old at the time electronically sent $40 to Bacon as pay for part of the alcohol Bacon bought for them.
Bacon denied purchasing alcohol for minors. However, "she acknowledged getting a $40 Venmo payment for “liqq” on June 21, 2023, but claimed she didn’t remember who it was from or what it was for," the complaint said.
Teacher and student give varying accounts
Police interviewed Bacon and the victim. Bacon initially denied the relationship but eventually admitted to having sex with the former student, and that it began when he was in her class, according to the criminal complaint.
Bacon said they stopped having sex in July 2023, and that they now are just friends. The victim told police the two first had sex in July 2023 and denied having a sexual relationship with Bacon before his graduation. He told police he and Bacon were exclusively dating, and that he stays at her apartment, the complaint said.
In response to USA TODAY's request for comment, Independent School District 622 shared a message sent by Tartan High School principal, Bethany DeCent, to families.
"Please be assured that the trust and safety of our students remain our utmost priority. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement’s investigation and will continue to do so throughout the process. We understand that this news affects our school community. School counselors and administrators are available for any students needing support," DeCent wrote in the message.
veryGood! (51642)
Related
- Tennessee suspect in dozens of rapes is convicted of producing images of child sex abuse
- On a screen near you: Officials are livestreaming the election process for more transparency
- Tennessee nurse and his dog die trying to save man from Hurricane Helene floods
- Dream Builder Wealth Society: A Blueprint for Future Wealth
- Mississippi man charged with shooting 5 people after not being allowed into party
- 'Heartbreaking situation': Baby and 13-year-old injured in dog attack, babysitter arrested
- 'Avoid spreading false information,' FEMA warns, says agency is 'prepared to respond'
- Robert Saleh was reportedly 'blindsided' by being fired as Jets head coach
- Suspect in deadly 2023 Atlanta shooting is deemed not competent to stand trial
- Justin Timberlake Suffers Injury and Cancels New Jersey Concert
Ranking
- The Office's Kate Flannery Defends John Krasinski's Sexiest Man Alive Win
- Texas is a young state with older elected officials. Some young leaders are trying to change that.
- News media don’t run elections. Why do they call the winners?
- Disaster scenario warns of what Hurricane Milton could do to Tampa Bay
- FanDuel Sports Network regional channels will be available as add-on subscription on Prime Video
- Disney World and Universal Orlando remain open ahead of Hurricane Milton
- FBI arrests Afghan man who officials say planned Election Day attack in the US
- What is the Electoral College and how does the US use it to elect presidents?
Recommendation
-
Kirk Herbstreit berates LSU fans throwing trash vs Alabama: 'Enough is enough, clowns'
-
2 off-duty NYC housing authority employees arrested in gang attack on ex New York governor
-
Billie Eilish says she's never talking about her sexuality 'ever again' after controversy
-
NFL power rankings Week 6: Commanders among rising teams led by rookie quarterback
-
Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on Veterans Day? Here's what to know
-
Troy Landry from 'Swamp People' cited following alligator hunting bust: Reports
-
Is Chris Pine Returning for Princess Diaries 3? He Says...
-
Want to follow election results like a pro? Here’s what to watch in key states