Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Bemidji teacher is facing multiple felony charges after an investigation into child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Court records show that Austin Lee Claseman, 30, has been charged with seven felony counts. Two counts involve the alleged distribution of pornographic material featuring minors under 14. Five counts involve alleged possession of such material.
The case began on June 9, 2025, when Bemidji police received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). According to investigators, three files containing explicit images of minors were uploaded on April 9, 2025, through a Kik messaging account.
Records show the Kik account was linked to Claseman’s verified email and IP address. Authorities say the images showed nude female children between 6 and 14 years old. Two images were classified as lascivious exhibition, and one involved a sex act.
Investigators traced the IP address to a Paul Bunyan Communications account at Claseman’s residence. On June 16, 2025, police executed a search warrant at the address. Authorities say Claseman fainted during the encounter but quickly regained consciousness.
Items seized included a phone, a laptop, and three USB drives. Forensic analysis allegedly uncovered five images of apparent CSAM and a selfie of Claseman sent from the same account.
Investigators also reviewed group chats from a Kik group called “Teachers for Students.” According to court documents, Claseman introduced himself as a teacher from Minnesota.
Under Minnesota law, dissemination of pornographic work involving a minor under 14 carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine. Possession charges carry up to 10 years and/or a $10,000 fine.
For details on Minnesota’s laws regarding sexual exploitation of minors, visit the Minnesota Statutes.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
