UPDATE 3/12/13
On March 11, additional charges were brought against Jeremy Patrick Thompson as part of the on-going investigation involving this situation. Eight additional victims have been identified through the on-going investigation and additional charges include:
- 5 counts of Luring a Minor by Computer or Other Electronic Means
- 4 counts of Contributing to the Deprivation of a Minor
As part of the investigation the Grand Forks Police Department has identified other names which have allegedly been used to create fake Facebook accounts to further these crimes. The false names associated with the investigation are: John Erickson, Megan Littleton and Eric Berry.
If anyone in the Grand Forks area is aware of these names being used in Facebook interactions with their children, they should call the police department at 787-8000 and notify us of the specific contacts.
UPDATE 1/10/13
We know more about a former teacher and coach working in Grand Forks schools accused of luring minor online. Jeremy Thompson faces two felony counts of luring minors by computer after sending a 12-year-old girl from his former school online messages and photos.
The 28-year-old could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Thompson made his initial court appearance Wednesday and is scheduled to enter a plea in February.
Thompson is a paraeductor at three Grand Forks schools, but is now on unpaid leave.
ORIGINAL STORY 1/9/13
Officials at Grand Forks Public Schools have been notified by the Grand Forks Police Department about an investigation involving a school district employee.
Jeremy Patrick Thompson was arrested on the charge of Luring Minors by Computer or Other Electronic Means. Formal charges are pending with the Grand Forks County State Attorney's Office.
The 28-year-old worked as paraeducator at Schroeder Middle School, South Middle School, and Red River High School and was a South Middle School coach. At this point, the investigation has not revealed any misconduct toward students at Grand Forks Public Schools, but involves the Internet and a female under 16-years-old in Cavalier County.
Thompson has worked for the District since October, 2011. According to school officials, Thompson had cleared a criminal background check prior to his employment with Grand Forks Public Schools. Thompson is on unpaid leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Grand Forks Public Schools has notified Schroeder Middle School, South Middle School and Red River High School parents of the situation and is cooperating with the Grand Forks Police Department in their investigation.
If anyone has information related to this situation, they are asked to call the Grand Forks Police Department at 701-787-8000 or School Resource Officers Sue Shirek at 701-740-6731 or Justin Holweger at 701-740-6759.
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