Update: Onamia Public Schools announced that Adam Lee is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 33-year-old Milaca man is charged for allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old Onamia High School student, according to the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office.
Adam Michael Lee, who is a teacher at the school, now faces third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in a position of authority, both felonies.
According to the criminal complaint, the Sheriff’s Office began an investigation after the school discovered a disturbing journal entry on a computer that described sexual contact with a teacher. An investigator spoke with the author of the entry, who said that another student had told her about the incident.
Then, the investigator met with the other student, a 17-year-old female, who admitted to having sex with Lee on two occasions. She said the first time they had intercourse was over winter break in December of 2012 and another time in January of 2013, which occurred inside Lee’s car, according to the complaint.
The female victim admitted that she was Lee’s teacher’s aid and also regularly lifted weights with him after school. She said he would often give her a ride home from school as well, the complaint said.
The investigator then spoke with Lee, telling him he was there to talk about his relationship with the minor female. The complaint says upon hearing this, Lee’s “face changed,” he looked to the ground and told the investigator he wanted to speak to an attorney. The investigator discontinued the questioning and Lee continued to sit with his face in his hands.
Lee was arrested and booked into the Mille Lacs County Jail.
Onamia Public Schools released a statement Tuesday, saying “The district’s employees are deeply concerned for the privacy and comfort of the alleged victim and the alleged victim’s family at this difficult time.”
If convicted of his charges, Lee could face a potential maximum penalty of 15 years for the third-degree sexual conduct charge and 10 years for the fourth-degree sexual conduct charge.
