Ann Margaret Bacon, a 24-year-old teacher at a Minnesota high school, is currently in custody on criminal sexual misconduct charges. Bacon, who caters to students with cognitive and developmental disabilities, was accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a former student.
The charges, specifically one count of felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct, were formally filed on February 12, 2024, in Ramsey Court District, according to a criminal complaint reviewed by USA TODAY. The same criminal complaint revealed that Bacon initiated a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student. This reportedly happened a month before his graduation last year.
Additionally, Bacon faces charges for purchasing alcohol for minors and engaging in marijuana use with minors. The incident came to light when a witness reported it to the school resource officer and Tartan High School administration on February 6.
Following the witness’ report, Bacon resigned on Thursday, February 15. Prompted by the information received from the school resource officer and school officials, the police questioned and arrested Bacon. The inappropriate relationship was first reported in July 2023, according to the same witness.
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At that time, the witness and a friend reported the relationship between Bacon and the student; however, they couldn’t provide evidence. When school officials questioned Bacon about the reports back then, she denied any “inappropriate interactions with students,” so they left the matter as it was.
The witness reported Bacon again this month out of concern for Bacon’s ongoing teaching role. She stated that “as a special education teacher, she had access to vulnerable students,” according to the complaint.
According to the allegations, Bacon engaged in sexual intercourse with the student on five different occasions. This reportedly happened at the motel in Vadnais Heights between May 8 and July 4 and at her apartment in St. Paul in 2023.
Another witness informed law enforcement that she was in a relationship with the victim, which ended in January 2024. This was upon discovering that he maintained contact with Bacon. The ex-girlfriend revealed finding sexually explicit messages and nude photos of Bacon on the victim’s phone.
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The ex-girlfriend further informed the police that Bacon had purchased alcohol for her and other friends. According to the complaint, she mentioned that her 17-year-old cousin electronically sent $40 to Bacon as payment for a portion of alcohol she bought for them.
Bacon denied purchasing alcohol for minors but admitted to receiving a $40 Venmo payment labeled “liqq” on June 21, 2023. However, she mentioned not remembering the source or purpose of the payment, according to the complaint.
During police interviews, Bacon and the victim provided conflicting narratives. Initially, Bacon denied the relationship; however, she eventually confessed to having sex with her former student. According to the criminal complaint, she mentioned that it started while he was still her student.
Bacon asserted that their sexual relationship ended in July 2023, emphasizing that they were just friends. Contrarily, the victim denied any sexual involvement with Bacon before his graduation, claiming that they were exclusively dating. Moreover, he always stayed at her apartment.
Tartan High School principal Bethany DeCent reassured families in response to USA TODAY’s comment request. She stated, “Please be assured that the trust and safety of our students remain our utmost priority.”
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