Jury Trial Provides Accountability for Survivors
Saint Paul (MN) – On Friday, June 10, after a jury trial, former Forest Lake shop teacher James Edward Carter was criminally convicted of two counts of criminal sexual conduct. Carter will be sentenced on September 16.
“The courage and strength of the survivors who came forward is powerful and inspiring,” said attorney Jeff Anderson. “Carter abused his position of authority and groomed his students to gain trust, and then sexually exploited them. This abuse cannot be tolerated in any school system.”
In the summer of 2020, Carter was initially charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct. Carter gained access to the two minor male students as a teacher, then befriended the students through community service work and offered employment completing home improvement projects at his residence. The two students became aware of each other in August of 2020 and reported to police.
“These survivors stood for the truth to protect other children from harm,” said attorney Molly Burke. “At trial, Carter attempted to avoid responsibility for his harmful criminal acts. But the survivors told their truth to a jury who believed, validated, and vindicated them. This conviction is a triumph for these brave survivors.”
“A triumph of courage belongs to these brave teenagers that spoke up. Now there is a triumph of the truth, and some real justice achieved.” said attorney Jeff Anderson