A high school teacher from Minnesota has been arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a former student. The teacher, Ann Margaret Bacon, 24, worked with students who have developmental and cognitive disabilities at Tartan High School in Oakdale.
According to reports, Bacon has been charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which is a serious felony. The charges were officially filed in the District Court of Ramsey County.
Relationship Began Before Student Graduated
As per the criminal complaint, Bacon is accused of starting a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old male student around one month before he graduated in 2023. She is also accused of buying alcohol for underage students and smoking marijuana with them.
The school was first informed about the relationship in July 2023, when a student witness came forward but had no solid evidence at the time. When school officials questioned Bacon, she denied the accusations, and no further action was taken then.
New Report Leads to Arrest
In February 2024, the same witness reported the case again, expressing concern that Bacon was still teaching and had access to vulnerable students in special education. This time, the report included more details, prompting school officials and a school resource officer to notify police.
Bacon resigned from her job on April 4, 2024, and was later arrested.
Allegations Include Motel Meetings and Alcohol Supply
The complaint says Bacon had sexual encounters with the student at a motel in Vadnais Heights and also at her apartment in St. Paul during the summer of 2023.
A second witness, who was in a relationship with the student, told police that she found nude photos and explicit messages from Bacon on his phone. She also said Bacon bought alcohol for her and her underage friends. One of them, a 17-year-old, reportedly sent Bacon $40 through Venmo to help pay for the alcohol.
Although Bacon denied buying alcohol for minors, she admitted to receiving a $40 payment with the caption “liqq” in June 2023 but claimed she didn’t remember what it was for.
Different Stories from Teacher and Student
When interviewed by police, Bacon first denied having any sexual relationship with the student but later admitted to it. She said the relationship ended in July 2023 and they are now just friends.
However, the former student told police they were in a romantic and sexual relationship, and he still stays at her apartment. He also claimed their relationship only started after he graduated.
School District Responds
In a statement, Tartan High School’s principal, Bethany DeCent, said the school is working closely with law enforcement and providing support to students.
“The trust and safety of our students are our top priorities.
We recognize that this situation has a significant emotional impact on our school community.
Counselors are available for any student who needs support,” the message read.
