Saint Paul, Minnesota — A college biology professor is facing a criminal charge after allegedly urinating on a student’s backpack, with court records revealing a series of earlier reports involving urine found in unusual locations around the campus science center.
Paul Fischer, 55, who taught at Macalester College for more than 25 years, allegedly damaged a student’s belongings during an incident on December 5, 2025. The investigation reportedly uncovered six previous complaints about urine discovered in places other than restrooms at the college’s Olin-Rice Science Center.
According to court documents cited by CBS Minnesota, Fischer acknowledged developing a habit of urinating into a cup and disposing of the liquid in campus trash cans or laboratory sinks.
Student Finds Backpack Soaked in an Unusual Liquid
The investigation began after a Macalester College student reported that her backpack had been contaminated with a pungent yellow liquid while she was working at the school’s science center.
According to the records, the student briefly stepped away from her belongings on December 5, 2025. When she returned, she discovered that her backpack was moist and smelled strongly of urine.
The student reportedly suspected Fischer because she believed he was the only person nearby when the incident occurred.
She reported the matter to authorities and provided documentation estimating approximately $2,000 in damages associated with the incident, according to the court documents.
The complaint subsequently became part of a broader investigation into reports of urine being discovered in unusual places throughout the science building.
Six Earlier Complaints Raised Questions
When Saint Paul police investigated the student’s allegations, they learned that Macalester Public Safety had received six earlier reports involving urine found outside designated restroom facilities at the Olin-Rice Science Center.
The locations described in the reports included trash cans, water bottles and decorations belonging to other professors, according to court records.
The repeated incidents raised questions about whether the discoveries were connected and who might be responsible.
Investigators examined the earlier reports as they looked into the allegation involving the student’s backpack. The case eventually led police to question Fischer about his own bathroom habits and the unusual discoveries around the building.
Professor Describes a Two-Year Habit to Police
According to the criminal complaint, Fischer told investigators that he had developed a habit over approximately two years of urinating into a cup before emptying it into campus trash cans or science laboratory sinks.
The records state that Fischer suggested he might have accidentally contaminated the student’s backpack while attempting to dispose of a cup containing urine in a trash can near his office.
That explanation became part of the evidence described in the criminal complaint.
The allegations have drawn attention because the reported backpack incident was investigated alongside several earlier complaints involving urine found in locations where it did not belong.
However, the existence of previous reports does not by itself establish that Fischer was responsible for every incident.
Macalester College Confirms Professor’s Departure
Macalester College said that Fischer’s employment ended during the 2025–2026 academic year. According to the criminal complaint, he resigned while the college was investigating the series of reported urination incidents.
The college’s statement confirmed his departure but did not, in the information provided, establish that he was responsible for all the earlier discoveries.
The investigation and criminal proceedings are separate from the college’s employment decision, and the allegations remain subject to the legal process.
What Charges Does Fischer Face?
Fischer has been charged with first-degree property damage, according to the court records described in the report.
The charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000, as stated in the available account.
He is expected to appear in court in early November. The outcome of the case will depend on the proceedings and the evidence presented.
For now, the allegations center on the student’s damaged backpack, the professor’s reported statements to police and the earlier complaints that investigators examined during the inquiry.
The case also leaves questions about the extent to which the earlier incidents can be connected to the defendant and what evidence prosecutors will present as the proceedings move forward.
What do you think colleges should do when repeated reports of property damage emerge on campus? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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