Fridley Substitute Teacher Accused of Sexting Students Believed to Have Fled the Country, Authorities Say

A former substitute teacher who worked in the north metro is now the subject of an active arrest warrant after investigators say he sent sexually explicit images and messages to students and left the country before he could be arrested.

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that they believe 41 year old Rey Jagolina fled the United States prior to being taken into custody. Jagolina is charged with nine felony counts tied to alleged online sexual communications with students while working as a substitute teacher in the north metro.

Allegations outlined in the criminal complaint

According to the criminal complaint, Snapchat records show Jagolina communicated with at least 10 students beginning in March 2025 while working as a substitute teacher at Fridley Middle School.

Prosecutors allege Jagolina sent a friend request to a 14 year old student last spring. That contact allegedly escalated into an exchange of sexually explicit images and messages later in the year. Court records cite messages attributed to Jagolina that included statements such as “Can I sleep over there?” and “Pls don’t share our conversation,” along with other messages described as more explicit in nature.

Investigators interviewed at least two additional teenage boys who told police they also received inappropriate photos and videos. In one case, court documents state that a Snapchat account associated with one student contained 483 messages with Jagolina, many of which were described by investigators as sexual in nature.

Authorities cite flight and public safety risk

The criminal complaint describes Jagolina as a significant flight and public safety risk. According to the filing, on Nov. 20, 2025, a company that assisted Jagolina in obtaining employment at the school contacted Fridley police and reported that Jagolina told them he was in Thailand.

Whether that claim is accurate or not, authorities say his current whereabouts are unknown. Prosecutors argue there is a significant likelihood he would not respond to a summons, that his location is not reasonably discoverable, and that an arrest is necessary to protect public safety and prevent further criminal activity.

An active warrant remains in place.

School district response and timeline

Fridley Public Schools confirmed that Jagolina is no longer employed by the district.

In a statement provided to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, Superintendent leadership said Jagolina was hired on May 6, 2024. He was placed on administrative leave on Nov. 6, 2025 after the district became aware of the law enforcement investigation. He resigned effective Nov. 12, 2025.

“At this time, the matter is being handled by Anoka County authorities,” the district said. “As is our standard practice, we do not comment on ongoing law enforcement investigations. We are fully cooperating with police officials as they conduct their investigation.”

The district has not publicly disclosed whether Jagolina worked at schools beyond Fridley Middle School, nor has it detailed whether families were notified through district wide communications. Officials have declined to answer questions about oversight procedures for substitute teachers while the investigation remains active.

Licensure and background checks

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS confirmed that Jagolina held a Minnesota K through 6 teaching license for nearly two years. The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board states that all applicants for teaching licenses are required to submit fingerprint cards for state and federal background checks conducted through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI.

A review by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS did not find any prior criminal history for Jagolina in Minnesota.

Community reaction and next steps

Parents and community members expressed concern as details of the allegations became public.

“It’s a scary situation,” said Nicole Kerby, whose son attends Fridley schools. “It’s disturbing, especially for these young kids.”

The criminal complaint notes that 10 students have come forward so far. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional victims.

Anyone with information related to Jagolina’s whereabouts or the investigation is encouraged to contact local law enforcement through Anoka County authorities. As the case proceeds, further filings and court actions are expected once the defendant is located.

MinneapoliMedia