A Minnesota teacher and cross country coach was arrested after he allegedly sent explicit photos of himself to a student on Snapchat.
The Meeker County Sheriff’s Office announced in a news release that Sutton Thomas Junkermeier was arrested at his home in Lake Lillian on Friday, June 26, after the 16-year-old victim’s mother became aware of the concerning communications and reported the incident to deputies.
The teen told investigators that Junkermeier, 26, created a Snapchat account under the username “Sutton_Junk” and initially sent him messages about cross-country, college and sports, according to CBS News. However, the victim said that the topics later turned explicit as their conversations progressed.
The victim claimed that Junkermeier sent him shirtless and naked photos, as well as text messages stating that their communications should be kept a secret.
“We best not tell anyone about this,” one message Junkermeier allegedly wrote to the student read, while another message stated, “I know last night got a little crazy but let’s keep this between us.”
After the concerning messages were reported, deputies executed a search warrant at Junkermeier’s residence and seized his electronic devices, according to CBS News.
Junkermeier has been charged with three counts of harassment, two felonies and one gross misdemeanor. If he is found guilty of the charges, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
It is not currently clear if Junkermeier has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following his arrest. He posted unconditional bail of $75,000 on Tuesday, June 29 and has since been released from custody, the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Us Weekly.
Junkermeier also worked as the cross country head coach at Atwater Cosmos Grove City School, according to the outlet. However, Atwater Cosmos Grove City Public Schools superintendent Kip Lynk confirmed that Junkermeier has been placed on leave following his arrest. The district has made no other public comments on the matter as of time of publication.
No additional details about Junkermeier’s alleged relationship with the student have been revealed, including how they first got into contact on Snapchat, how long they were talking, if the victim was a student in one of Junkermeier’s classes or if he competed on the cross country team with him.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing as authorities work to learn what exactly happened between Junkermeier and the victim.
Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.
