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Jacksonville teacher posed as teen, targeted past students, report says

Jacksonville officers have released the arrest report and mugshot for a middle school teacher arrested Wednesday.

Kristopher Beckstrom, 42, was a music teacher at Landon Middle School in Jacksonville.

Investigators say he posed as a teen boy on Instagram and Snapchat and targeted past students and other people.

Officers began investigating on Sept. 13 after allegations of inappropriate contact made by an adult to a minor.

A victim told officers a man using the screen name erikb20172018 sent her messages asking her to send nude photos of herself, saying he "wished he was there with her."

She told officers she would ignore his messages and he would reply saying, "I'm sorry, I have to behave with you."

She told detectives that another female sent her a screenshot of his Instagram and said, "He is not who you think he is."

According to the JSO report, she told the victim that she repeatedly asked erikb20172018 to send her a live video and he would always have an excuse.

The report says she later shared an inappropriate picture of herself with him and he sent one back.

She confronted him after the picture and video he shared did not match the person in his profile picture, according to the report.

He reportedly told her he was not really a 17-year-old boy and confessed he was a 42-year-old music teacher at Landon Middle School.

According to the report, he asked her not to tell anyone and went on to explain he has a wife and two kids.

The report says the female replied that she wouldn't tell in order to get more information from him.

He reportedly went on to tell her someone left a bag in his class and he went through it and took her underwear to keep.

When asked what his name was, he told her it was Kristopher Paul and she remembered him being her seventh grade music teacher, according to the report.

The report says the female contacted other people on his friend's list telling them what she had learned.

A third person confirmed to police that he asked her for a picture of herself and then sent an inappropriate photo to her.

Beckstrom was questioned on Sept. 19 and reportedly confessed, the report says.

He was arrested and charged with transmission of material harmful to minors and producing or promoting performance which includes sexual performance by a child.

“I think it’s terrible,” said Angharad Jones, a grandparent.

“As soon as I saw it, I was at work, I just wanted to throw up… momma bear comes out and you just want to protect them,” said Amanda Jansen, a parent.

The superintendent responded with, “He does not reflect the amazing teachers we do have.”

The following letter was sent from school district to parents:

"Good Afternoon Parents and Guardians,

"As you know we care greatly for the well-being of our students and we work diligently to provide your students with teachers and staff of the highest character and capability.

"It is for that reason I am so disappointed to inform you that one of our teachers, Mr. Kristopher Beckstrom, was taken into custody by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.  Information about the charges he is facing was announced by JSO and appear to be related to sending and soliciting explicit photos to and from minors across the country. He remains in custody. Should he be released from custody, he will be immediately removed from the classroom and not have further contact with students pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

"In the meantime, we are grateful to law enforcement for their partnership, and we will continue to cooperate fully. We encourage anyone with information or questions regarding the investigation to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

"As always, you can call my office at 904-346-5650 if you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss this further. Please know that our greatest priority will always be the well-being of your students and maintaining a safe and effective learning environment. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can be of further assistance.

"Thank you and have a good evening."

JSO believes he may have more victims and is asking anyone who may have been targeted by Beckstrom to contact the sheriff's office at 904-630-0500 or JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.

Action News Jax asked the superintendent about the accusations against Beckstrom Wednesday. She said he does not represent the thousands of hardworking teachers in the district.

Original story: Jacksonville officers say a middle school teacher has been arrested for sending and soliciting sexually explicit photos to and from minors across the country.

JSO says Kristopher Beckstrom, a Landon Middle School music teacher, is currently being processed at the Duval County jail.

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Officers say he posed as a 15-year-old boy.

Records show Beckstrom was nominated for 2016 Teacher of the Year.

JSO said more information is forthcoming.