Advisory: This story contains details of allegations of sexual crimes against minors
By Josh Margolis
HARLEM, Mont. (NMB) – Charges have been formally filed against the Harlem High School Teacher accused of sex crimes against a student.
Blaine County District Court Judge Yvonne Laird granted Blaine County Attorney Kelsie W. Harwood’s motion to file leave against Jack G. Young, 44, of Harlem, on Friday afternoon.
Young faces a felony charge of Sexual Intercourse Without Consent and misdemeanor charges of Sexual Assault and Indecent Exposure.
There was an additional pending charge of sexual abuse of children, but that was not included in the formal charges.
If found guilty of the felony, Young could face life imprisonment.
Young was arrested on April 22nd after a search warrant was executed at his residence by several agencies, including the FBI.
The investigation began on April 13th when a different teacher reached out to the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office to report that a student had been sexually assaulted by a teacher.
The charging documents allege that from about November 2021 through February 2022, Young sent explicit photographs via Snapchat and engaged in sexual contact with the victim, who was incapable of consent.
On at least one occasion, Young is alleged to have told the victim that if she sent nude photos back to him, her grade in class could be improved.
The sexual intercourse without consent charge is based on allegations about a specific interaction that occurred on or about February 16th in which Young is accused of “digitally penetrating” the victim.
The victim tried to reject Young’s advances on numerous occasions, according to the affidavit. Young allegedly refused to back down, and in one instance, grabbed the victim’s hand and forced her “to rub up on him.”
According to the affidavit, an FBI Agent was able to get Young to admit that he had engaged in inappropriate touching, but could not recall exactly how many times it took place.
Young also admitted to sending explicit photographs to a second minor female.
The affidavit alleges that at least one of the explicit photos was taken on school grounds.
Young’s arraignment has been set for 10 AM on Tuesday, May 10th at the Blaine County Courthouse.
Young is in custody at the Valley County Detention Center.
