A 26-year-old Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City teacher and cross-country coach was arrested Friday after a criminal complaint alleged he sent sexually explicit Snapchat photos to a 16-year-old student. Deputies took him into custody at his Lake Lillian home after the girl’s mother reported the messages and investigators searched, according to law enforcement accounts.
According to KSTP, Meeker County investigators say the man identified in court documents as Sutton Thomas Junkermeier used the Snapchat handle "Sutton_Junk" to contact the teen. What started as messages about cross-country, college, and sports allegedly shifted into explicit exchanges. The criminal complaint states he sent shirtless and naked photos and texted comments such as "we best not tell anyone about this" and "I know last night got a little crazy but let's keep this between us."
Investigation and charges
As reported by WCCO, deputies executed a search warrant at Junkermeier’s Lake Lillian residence, seized electronic devices and briefly arrested him while they pursue additional warrants. Authorities say he has been charged in Meeker County with three counts of harassment, including two felonies and one gross misdemeanor. If convicted on the charges, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
School response and role
Superintendent Kip Lynk confirmed to KSTP that Junkermeier has been placed on leave while the case is investigated. The Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City district lists its secondary campus in Grove City and operates the cross-country program with which the coach was associated, according to the district website ACGC Schools.
Local context
Minnesota prosecutors have handled several similar cases in recent years. In one example, a former Northfield teacher was sentenced in February after pleading guilty to sending explicit photos to students, as documented by WCCO. Parents and community members who suspect possible exploitation are urged to contact local law enforcement or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678, or visit missingkids.org.
