POLAND - 2024/01/25: In this photo illustration a Snapchat logo seen displayed on a smartphone. (Photo Illustration by Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
BEMIDJI, Minn. (FOX 9) - A 30-year-old paraprofessional at Bemidji Middle School is accused of sending inappropriate photos and videos to a student via Snapchat.
Bridget Lindell is facing one count each of electronic communication relating to or describing sexual conduct with a child, and distributing via electronic communication material that relates or describes sexual conduct to a child.
According to court records, Lindell was employed as a paraprofessional contractor with Teachers on Call. She held part-time positions at elementary, middle and high schools within the Bemidji Area School District, and most recently worked at a juvenile center.
Lindell remains in custody at Hubbard County Jail.
The allegations
What we know:
According to the criminal complaint, the investigation started in December after a 13-year-old student disclosed to a counselor that Lindell had been sending him explicit photos and videos via the social media app.
Lindell was a paraprofessional in his class the previous year and had asked for his Snapchat account, the student explained. Over the summer, they began messaging, and she eventually started sending explicit images and videos, according to the complaint.
The boy said that on one occasion while in the school hallway, Lindell had told him and a friend about a "sex swing" she owned. Charges allege a classmate also disclosed Lindell talked about her sexual activities with her husband.
According to the criminal complaint, the school resource officer informed investigators that a school official learned Lindell had asked students for their Snapchat account information, and instructed her to stop.
Court records do not specify when the school official became aware of Lindell requesting the student’s social media information, or when the conversation with her took place. It’s unclear how many students she may have asked.
Snapchat data
Dig deeper:
Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the Snapchat accounts belonging to the student and Lindell. Investigators say the data show that Lindell began messaging the student in May, which continued throughout the summer.
Investigators also uncovered several explicit photos and videos Lindell allegedly sent to the boy, including as recently as December.
Investigators spoke with Bridget Lindell
What else:
On Jan. 9, authorities visited Lindell at her home in Bemidji, where she stated that her employer had informed her of an allegation involving a shared photograph.
The complaint claims Lindell told authorities she had been communicating with a middle school student since last year.
When asked by investigators why she was sending the Snapchats, Lindell reportedly responded, "I guess just getting the attention." She further explained she was experiencing marital issues and that the attention from the 13-year-old was "filling that void," charges read.
Investigators reported looking at Lindell’s phone, and confirmed her Snapchat username matched the one in question. She was arrested and booked into the Hubbard County Jail.
School district, company's response
What they're saying:
Bemidji Area School District provided FOX 9 with the following statement:
"Bemidji Area Schools has received notice that a former substitute Bridget Lindell has been arrested.
"Bemidji Area Schools blocked Ms. Lindell from all assignments with Bemidji Area Schools immediately upon notification that a complaint had been received and an investigation initiated by law enforcement. The district cooperated with law enforcement to ensure access to all relevant information during the course of their investigation.
"As always, the priority for Bemidji Area Schools is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students. All complaints/allegations regarding school district employees, volunteers, and substitutes are taken seriously."
Dig deeper:
According to court records, Lindell told investigators she worked as a contractor through Teachers on Call. The company’s website states they’ve had a long-standing partnership with the Bemidji Area School District.
Teachers on Call, which is owned by Kelly Education, provided FOX 9 with the following statement:
"Teachers on Call is deeply concerned about the reports of misconduct involving a former employee whose employment has since been terminated. The safety and well-being of students is our highest priority. At this time, we are actively cooperating with the Bemidji School District and local authorities, and we have no further comment regarding the ongoing investigation."
Teachers on Call is the same company that employed a Woodbury High School substitute teacher who was accused of reenacting the prone restraint used in the murder of George Floyd during a class.