Following allegations that she bought alcohol for underage drinkers and had sex with a student in 2023, a former special education teacher at Tartan High School faces charges.
Hastings resident Ann Margaret Bacon, 24, is charged with developing a romantic relationship and engaging in sexual activity with her 18-year-old pupil at her residence, during one of her courses, and in hotel rooms.
On the school’s website, Bacon states that she spent two years as the dance team’s varsity assistant in addition to teaching special education kids. According to The Pioneer Press, Bacon left her position on February 8.
According to a criminal complaint, an investigation found that the former instructor had intercourse with the student five times at a motel between May 8 and July 4. Photographs from the hotel refuted Bacon’s assertion that the incidents occurred after the student graduated.
Additionally, according to witness testimonies, Bacon had intercourse with the kid while the latter was a student at the high school. Additionally, a witness charged Bacon with purchasing beer and “smoking weed” for and with children.
When a witness reported the allegations to the school administration at the time, the administration chose not to investigate the matter further because of “lack of concrete evidence.”
In February, Bacon was the subject of two reports because of the suspicion that, given her position, she was dealing with vulnerable individuals. At first, Bacon denied having any relationship with the student when questioned about the allegations.
When the 18-year-old’s ex-girlfriend was questioned by investigators, she said he was looking for “a break” before his May graduation. The lawsuit claims that although the ex-girlfriend saw that he was “acting secretively and hanging out” with Bacon, she was unaware of the depth of Bacon’s connection with the victim.
then, Bacon acknowledged having a sexual contact with the victim. Initially, she said that the relationship started in July 2023, but she then modified her response when the victim’s hotel room was photographed by the authorities on May 8, 2023.
The now-former student informed police in an interview that they are presently “dating exclusively and he stays at her apartment.” Bacon, however, said they are “just friends” and “not in a relationship,” and he denied being in a relationship.
Bacon also denied purchasing alcohol for underage customers.
Bacon’s electronic gadgets were gathered by law enforcement and are presently being examined forensically.
In this instance, Bacon is accused of third-degree criminal sexual behavior. She may spend up to 15 years in jail and pay a $30,000 fine if found guilty. She appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday, and on March 20 she is scheduled to return for an omnibus hearing.
