Crime & Safety

Ex-Burnsville Teacher Pleads Guilty To Criminal Sexual Conduct

Akervik​ had sex with a 16-year-old student and sent nude photos of himself to another student, according to police.

BURNSVILLE, MN — Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom announced Monday that Erik Michael Akervik, 30, of Burnsville pled guilty to one count of criminal sexual conduct. Akervik had sex with a 16-year-old student and sent nude photos of himself to another student, according to the criminal complaint.

At the time of these acts, Akervik was a music teacher at Burnsville High School, police said.

A second count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct for the same act involving the same victim was dismissed.

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After Akervik was initially charged in April 0f 2017, authorities said he contacted a 15-year-old boy on Instagram he knew through Mount Olivet Church. Akervik worked there directing a children's choir.

One of the conditions of the former Burnsville teacher's release was that he have no contact with minors. An arrest warrant was issued and Akervik turned himself in at the Dakota County Jail on May 2, 2017.

Find out what's happening in Burnsvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

A felony-level charge of electronic solicitation of a child against Akervik is now set for a July 9 jury trial.

Image via Dakota County Sheriff's Office

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