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.
Blaine teacher charged with molesting 4th-grader during class
Johnsville Elementary teacher has been placed on administrative leave. He's also coached trapshooting in the St. Francis School District.
March 12, 2016 at 2:27AM
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.
Sonnenfeld has been with the district as a teacher for the past 24 years, Skelly said, including assignments other than at Johnsonville.
Skelly said the district has not been alerted to any other similar complaints against the teacher.
Sonnenfeld has coached the co-ed trapshooting club at St. Francis High School for a number of years. That school district has yet to say whether he remains in the role.
Sonnenfeld's Facebook page indicates that he attended Worthington High School and St. Cloud State University. He is married and has an adult son.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
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