A Blaine teacher molested one of his fourth-grade students several times as she stood by his desk during class, according to charges filed Wednesday.
Johnsville Elementary teacher Kenneth L. Sonnenfeld Jr., 52, of Oak Grove, was charged in Anoka County District Court with second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Sonnenfeld was arrested Tuesday and remains jailed ahead of a court hearing scheduled for Thursday.
After charges were filed, the Anoka-Hennepin School District placed Sonnenfeld, a math and science teacher, on administrative leave.
"The district immediately reported this complaint to law enforcement and appropriate agencies, and they're currently investigating it," district spokesman Jim Skelly said in a statement. "The district will also conduct an investigation and action may be taken as a result of those findings."
The criminal complaint said the 10-year-old girl was molested five or six times from December 2014 to the end of May 2015.
The Sheriff's Office was notified this week that Sonnenfeld molested the girl in each of the instances, including once under her underclothing, as he helped her with her school work as she stood next to his desk while class was in session.
The touching prompted her to stop seeking help from Sonnenfeld. She decided to tell someone about the molestations "so that her chest and stomach wouldn't hurt anymore," the complaint read.
As of midafternoon Wednesday, Sonnenfeld had yet to hire an attorney.
