OCONTO, WI (WTAQ) – An Oconto Falls woman is facing sexual assault charges from incidents that allegedly took place in 2013.
29-year-old Brynn Larson is currently a teacher at Father Allouez Catholic School in Allouez.
Court records show the charges stem from incidents that allegedly happened with a 15-year-old student in the fall of 2013. At the time, Larsen was a 24-year-old substitute teacher and volleyball coach in Oconto Falls.
According to the criminal complaint, a teacher came forward in 2014, saying Larsen appeared to be in a relationship with a student. The person told authorities, the student and Larsen were seen holding hands and kissing at the mall.
Both Larsen and the victim were interviewed by police at the time and both said the relationship was not sexual.
Last month that victim came forward and reported that it was sexual.
With the victim’s consent, investigators contacted Larsen through the victim’s Facebook account where Larsen admitted to the sexual relationship, the complaint says. Larsen said she isn’t a pedophile because she never “went after” the victim or made her do anything she didn’t “want to do,” the complaint says.
In a letter, the District stated that they were made aware of the issue by Oconto Falls Police.
The school stated that the incidents allegedly occurred before she was hired at the Catholic School and that Larsen passed all background and reference checks at the time of her hiring.
“We wish to make you aware of an issue at Father Allouez Catholic School. Today, the Oconto Falls Police Department contacted the school regarding a serious issue with a Father Allouez teacher. Brynn Larsen, a physical education teacher at Father Allouez Catholic School, was arrested, and we understand law enforcement will provide additional information. The alleged incidents did not occur in our school nor were related to Father Allouez Catholic School. The alleged incidents occurred in a different county over four years ago prior to Larsen being hired. Larsen upon hire to Father Allouez Catholic School passed all background and reference checks during the hiring process. Upon learning of the situation for the first time today, we immediately responded by fully cooperating with authorities. The safety of all students at Father Allouez Catholic School is of utmost importance for administration and staff at all times. Please keep those involved in your thoughts and prayers. Should you have questions or feel the need to discuss, please call Mrs. Franz directly or Kim Desotell, GRACE President directly.”
Larsen is facing four felony charges including repeated sexual assault of the same child, second-degree sexual assault of a child and child enticement-sexual contact.
