Bemidji Man Charged After Allegedly Photographing Seventh-Grade Girls
A 42-year-old Bemidji man was charged after investigators say he took hundreds of photos of young females without their knowledge at two seventh-grade volleyball games and inside a Bemidji Walmart. The arrests and charges raise questions about privacy, youth safety at public events, and the supports available to students and families in Beltrami County.
Authorities charged 42-year-old Adam Joseph Skoog of Bemidji after investigators say he took hundreds of photos of young females without their knowledge at two seventh-grade volleyball games last fall and at a local Walmart in June. Police and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agents reported finding more than 100 images tied to each school event and additional images recovered from Walmart security footage. Skoog faces multiple felony counts, including stalking and harassment, and several gross misdemeanor counts for interference with privacy. His next court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 9, 2026.
The criminal complaints allege the incidents occurred Sept. 23 and Sept. 30 during school volleyball games, and on June 28 inside the Bemidji Walmart. Investigators gathered photographic evidence from the events and worked with retail security footage to identify images of young females taken without consent. Bemidji police and state agents led the investigative steps that culminated in the charges.
For parents, students, and school staff in Beltrami County, the case underscores how ordinary public spaces and school events can become sites of privacy violation. Seventh-grade students are typically 12 to 13 years old, an age when exposure to invasive photography can cause significant emotional distress. Beyond immediate trauma, privacy breaches of this kind can affect a young person’s sense of safety in school, willingness to participate in extracurricular activities, and trust in community spaces.
Public health implications include increased need for mental health supports for affected students and families. Schools and community providers should be prepared to offer trauma-informed care, counseling, and clear communication to families about available resources. School districts and event organizers may also need to review and strengthen policies on spectator behavior, supervision at youth events, and signage that informs attendees about prohibited activities and reporting procedures.
The case highlights broader systemic gaps in protecting minors in public settings. Retailers that host large numbers of families and schools that welcome community spectators both play roles in prevention and response. Cooperative relationships between businesses, schools, and law enforcement—along with clear policies and staff training—can reduce opportunities for covert photography and improve timely reporting when incidents occur.
Legal proceedings will determine the outcome of the charges. Meanwhile, parents and guardians may wish to speak with school counselors, health care providers, or local social service agencies about support for their children. Community leaders, school administrators, and public safety officials in Beltrami County face decisions about preventive measures and supports to rebuild a sense of safety for students and families after this alleged pattern of invasive conduct.
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