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OAKSDALE, MN – Ann Margaret Bacon, 24, a former teacher in Hastings, MN, was arraigned Monday on charges that she had sex with a student in rented motel rooms multiple times.
She allegedly began a sexual relationship with one of her students in May 2023, provided alcohol to minors, and smoked weed with them. Bacon was a teacher at Tartan High School in Oakdale, MN until Thursday. At the time of the relationship, the victim was a Bacon student. Her students had developmental and cognitive disabilities, according to USA Today.
The criminal complaint against Bacon stated that a witness against Bacon came forward in February stating, “As a special education teacher, Bacon had access to vulnerable students.” Another witness told law enforcement officials she was in a relationship with Bacon’s victim until she found out he was still in contact with her.
According to the victim’s mother, she found sexually explicit texts and pictures on her phone, including a nude photograph of the teacher.
According to KSTP-TV, Bacon denied having an inappropriate relationship with the student at the time when school officials contacted him. At first, the victim told his now ex-girlfriend that he and Bacon began having sex in May 2023. Investigators found out that he began having sex with her only after graduating in July 2023.
He denied having a sexual relationship with the student several times before being confronted with the evidence, but photographic evidence from his phone and hotel records contradicted his latter claim. The former teacher then admitted to having sex with her student a few times.
In addition to being a varsity assistant for the dance team, Bacon reportedly resigned from Tartan High School.
The school district for Tartan High School told reporters that Principal Bethany DeCent shared the following message with parents Tuesday: “I am writing to inform you of the resignation of a Tartan teacher, Ann Bacon. Apparently, local law enforcement is investigating Ann Bacon for misconduct.
We are committed to maintaining the trust and safety of our students. Our school community is affected by this news. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement’s investigation and will continue to do so throughout the investigation. School counselors and administrators are available for any students who need support.”
According to USA Today, the victim told police that he and Bacon are now dating, and that he stays at her apartment.
In her first court appearance, Bacon was charged with felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Her omnibus hearing is scheduled for March 20th.