Gail Gagne, a former teacher and coach at Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the granddaughter of wrestling legend Verne Gagne, is wanted by police on charges of sexual misconduct. The charges stem from a police complaint filed by a 17-year-old male student who has come forward to report the sex crimes.
A warrant was issued on Wednesday for Gagne’s arrest on two counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct with a 16-year-old male student during the summer of 2008.
Gagne was hired as an assistant basketball coach in November 2007 and served as a substitute teacher on a daily basis from January to September 2008. During the summer months she served as the weight room supervisor and the 16-year-old male student had a work-study job at the same location.
She reportedly took him out to restaurants and drove him home, and on several occasions engaged in sexual conduct with him at her home. The complaint alleges that they also had sex at the La Quinta hotel near the Mall of America on September 13-14, 2008. Police have hotel records and credit card receipts to substantiate claims made by the young man.
The 27-year-old former employee is now reportedly working in Chicago. Her lawyer, Earl Gray, indicated she would return shortly to enter a plea of not guilty and would be going to trial. Eight days later, his client turned herself in to authorities on Thursday, December 10. After posting bail, Gagne was released from Hennepin County Jail.
She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in journalism and mass communications and was a UNC Scholar Athlete in 2005. She was hired as an assistant basketball coach at UNC for the 2005-2006 season before returning to Minnesota.
Gail is the daughter of Greg Gagne, former pro wrestler and AWA Tag Team Champion. Her grandfather Verne Gagne is a former AWA World Heavyweight Champion. The elder Gagne made headlines in January 2009 after he attacked a 97-year-old nursing home resident, causing his death – details and photos here.
UPDATE: March 6, 2010 – Gail Gagne stood before Judge Richard Scherer on Friday and entered a plea of not guilty. She will stand trial beginning on July 12, 2010.
View more photos and video below.