Rock Ridge school employee investigated for child exploitation

VIRGINIA, Minn./Duluth News Tribune/March 7, 2025/—Authorities are investigating online child exploitation allegations against a Rock Ridge High School employee.

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said it executed multiple search warrants last Thursday in Eveleth and Virginia as a result of tips received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

One tip reportedly involved the solicitation of a minor in Georgia, while the other involved a person receiving child sexual abuse material. The sheriff’s office said it determined the suspect lives in Eveleth.

The suspect was located and questioned, authorities said, and evidence was collected. No arrests were made, as the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities said there is no evidence at this time of any local victims or students at Rock Ridge involved. They did not specify the employee’s position and declined to release additional details, citing the open investigation.

The News Tribune left messages with school district leadership Friday afternoon.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Lake Superior Forensic Technology and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are also involved in the investigation.

Concerned citizens are asked to contact Sgt. Eric Sathers of the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office at 218-336-4311.

PHOTO: The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said it received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a Rock Ridge employee. | Tyler Schank/2019 file/Duluth Media Group