Charges: Acting Teacher Exposed Himself To 2 Young Girls At St. Paul Library

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A St. Paul man is facing charges for exposing himself and masturbating in front of two young girls.

Nicholas Barghini, 31, is charged with one count of criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree -- lewd exhibition in the presence of a minor under the age of 16.

According to the St. Paul Library, he reserved the Riverview Library's auditorium to teach a youth acting class. It was at one of those classes Saturday that prosecutors say the incident took place, which was reportedly captured by security cameras.

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began when the 10-year-old girl told her mother what happened after picking her up from the class. The girl's mother immediately went back to the library and reviewed surveillance footage.

In the video, police say the victim was lying face down on a couch. Barghini allegedly removed her shoes and socks, put her feet on a pillow, knelt beside the couch and touched and smelled her feet while masturbating, according to the criminal complaint. He also appeared to be filming the incident with his laptop.

During the investigation, prosecutors say police discovered video of Barghini doing almost the exact same thing last month.

In a written statement, St. Paul Library Director Jane Eastwood called the incident unacceptable and said Barghini will be banned from the St. Paul Library for one year, which is the most extensive banning allowed at this time, though they are working with lawyers to determine if they can impose a life-long ban.

The maxmimum sentence for the charge is one year in prison and a $3,000 fine.