Former Brooklyn Park School Counselor Charged With Filming Student Changing Clothes

Former Brooklyn Park School Counselor Charged With Filming Student Changing Clothes

Brooklyn Park, Minn. – A former school counselor and coach at Maranatha Christian Academy in Brooklyn Park is facing felony charges after investigators say he secretly recorded a 13-year-old student changing clothes in his classroom and later manipulated her image in sexually explicit ways.

Jason Gary Polzin, 50, of Prior Lake

Jason Gary Polzin, 50, of Prior Lake, has been charged with interfering with the privacy of a minor under 18, a felony under Minnesota law. He made his first court appearance on August 14 and was released on a $10,000 conditional bond that bars him from contact with the victim or any minor females. His next court hearing is scheduled for September 8.

Alleged Incident and Discovery

According to court documents, the incident occurred on April 17, 2024, when Polzin, who worked as both a counselor and softball coach at the private Christian school, allowed the student to change clothes in his classroom before practice. The victim later told police she noticed Polzin’s phone positioned to record her. She deleted the video after discovering it and confronted him. Polzin allegedly told her the recording was an accident.

The girl later confided in friends, who encouraged her to report the incident. The school contacted police on May 23, 2024, and Polzin was placed on administrative leave. His employment was formally terminated on June 3, 2024.

Evidence Seized

A search warrant executed at Polzin’s Prior Lake home turned up 52 images of the victim, most taken in his school office, and 165 digitally altered images depicting the girl’s face superimposed on computer-generated female bodies in lingerie or nude. Police also say they found other files categorized as criminal sexual abuse material.

Court filings additionally noted that Polzin had sought opportunities to spend time alone with the victim, including offering her rides and inviting her on his boat.

Ongoing Investigation

The Brooklyn Park Police Department (BPPD) said the investigation remains active and that detectives are working closely with school administrators to determine whether there are other potential victims.

“Maranatha Christian Academy is cooperating fully,” BPPD noted in a statement.

School Response

In a statement, Deb Larson-Jarpe, Head of School at Maranatha Christian Academy, said administrators immediately contacted law enforcement when they learned of the allegations.

“The safety and well-being of our students is, and will always be, our highest priority,” Larson-Jarpe said. “We have zero tolerance for any behavior that places students at risk and remain committed to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment.”

Legal Context

Under Minnesota law, interfering with the privacy of a minor is punishable by up to four years in prison. Charges involving the possession or production of child sexual abuse material can carry sentences of up to five years or more.

Polzin’s educator license had expired earlier this summer, and court records indicate no prior criminal history.

MinneapoliMedia