Woodbury, Minn. – A 44-year-old teacher and coach at the Woodbury Math and Science Academy has been charged with two counts of solicitation of a child to engage in sexual conduct after being caught in an undercover investigation targeting online predators.
The suspect, Jamey Scott Strand of River Falls, Wisconsin, was arrested following a series of explicit online communications with undercover officers posing as 13- and 14-year-old girls. Authorities say Strand attempted to arrange meetings for sex and traveled across state lines in pursuit of minors.
Details of the Investigation
According to court records, on August 14, 2025, Edina law enforcement participated in an online sting operation against adults engaged in the online exploitation of children.
Strand reportedly used the platform KIK to send explicit photos of himself and arrange sexual encounters. Investigators employed facial recognition software and reviewed social media activity to confirm his identity.
On August 24, Strand allegedly contacted undercover agents again using an account linked to his personal email address, indicating he would be driving through Edina within hours and seeking to meet up.
Arrest in Mankato
Instead of meeting a minor, Strand was confronted by law enforcement in Mankato, where he was also attempting to meet a different undercover officer he believed to be a 13-year-old girl.
During a post-Miranda interview, Strand admitted to police that he had communicated with multiple individuals he believed to be minors and had even traveled with his camper from Okoboji, Iowa, intending for one of the girls to visit him at his cabin overnight.
Authorities tracked his vehicle north from Mankato to St. Peter, where they conducted a traffic stop and placed him under arrest as per Fox9.
Prosecutors Raise Public Safety Concerns
Strand remains in custody in Mankato as prosecutors pursue a warrant. They cited the serious nature of his alleged crimes, his employment as a teacher, his ties to multiple states, and his repeated attempts to arrange sexual encounters with minors as grounds for keeping him detained.
Community and School Impact
The arrest has raised alarms within the Woodbury Math and Science Academy community. Parents and educators are expressing concerns about how someone with access to students was allegedly engaging in predatory behavior online.
Authorities emphasize that cases like this highlight the dangers of online platforms where predators attempt to lure children into harmful situations.
Protecting Children from Online Exploitation
Experts advise parents to:
- Monitor children’s online activity and remain aware of the apps they use.
- Have open conversations with kids about online safety and the dangers of speaking with strangers.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors stress that their primary focus is ensuring the safety of minors across Minnesota and surrounding states.
What steps do you think schools and communities should take to protect children from online predators? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
