Burnsville Paraprofessional Charged in Carver County Undercover Child Solicitation Sting
Photo: Carver County Jail
Published: April 7th 2026
CARVER COUNTY MN: A 36-year-old paraprofessional at a Burnsville charter school faces seven felony counts after he allegedly arrived at a prearranged location in Chanhassen believing he was meeting a child for sexual contact, according to the charges. Brian Stewart Gay, of Hastings, is charged with three counts of soliciting a child or someone believed to be a child through electronic communication to engage in sexual conduct, and four counts of engaging in electronic communication relating to or describing sexual conduct with a child. All counts are felonies under Minnesota Statute 609.352, subdivision 2a, each carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. According to the criminal complaint, the alleged incidents occurred on or about March 25, 26, 29, 30, and April 2, 2026, in Carver County. A Carver County Sheriff's detective was conducting an undercover operation using social media platforms and online chat applications. The charges state that Gay communicated electronically with the undercover account over several days. On or about March 25 (or April 2 per some details), Gay arrived at the prearranged meet location in Chanhassen, where he was arrested. A text message sent to the undercover phone was received on Gay’s device, according to the complaint. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Gay admitted he had been engaging in text and Reddit conversations with the undercover account, the charges state. He also told investigators he works as a paraprofessional at STEP Academy in Burnsville.
The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.