Former Forest Lake teacher faces criminal sexual conduct charges

A former Forest Lake teacher faces multiple charges after authorities say he inappropriately touched two students.

A criminal complaint states 56-year-old James Edward Carter faces two counts of second-degree criminal sexual misconduct and one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual misconduct.

Carter, the complaint says, taught industrial tech at a Forest Lake Area School District middle school. Carter would employ former students to work on projects and his personal properties in exchange for money.

According to the complaint, two minor victims say Carter touched them inappropriately after "developing close friendships with each one of them."

The Forest Lake Area School District sent a letter to families confirming Carter is no longer employed with the district.

The school district also asks any student who has information about the matter to reach out to a school administrator, counselor or law enforcement.