Richfield Middle School staff member arrested after sexual misconduct allegation
A staff member at a Twin Cities middle school was arrested Tuesday after allegations of sexual misconduct involving a student, according to school officials and law enforcement.
Officers arrested the 23-year-old Richfield Middle School staff member at his home in Bloomington, Minnesota, around 9 a.m., the Richfield Police Department said. He has not yet been formally charged, but the Hennepin County Attorney's Office is reviewing the case.
Richfield Public Schools Superintendent Steve Unowsky said in a letter to the community that the district was "made aware of allegations of misconduct involving a Richfield Middle School staff member and a student" earlier this week. Richfield police said other staff at the school called the department "to report a potential sexual relationship between a school employee and a student."
"We understand that this news may be upsetting and that many of you may have questions," Unowsky said. "Due to state data privacy laws and the active police investigation, we are unable to share additional details at this time. Please know that this decision is made to protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of those involved."
The staff member has been placed on administrative leave, according to the district, and is no longer listed on the online staff directory.
The district is making school counselors and mental health staff available to students.
Sexual Assault Resources
General Sites for information related to sexual assault and resources throughout Minnesota:
General Sexual Assault Websites:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
A new boating law will go into effect in Minnesota on July 1. Here's what to know.
It's boating season in Minnesota, and a new law meant to make our lakes safer might impact you as soon as next month. Starting July 1, anyone from the ages of 12 to 21 will need an operator's permit to drive a motorboat. Tom Jacob, the owner of Bay to Bay Boat Club in Excelsior, hired a lobbyist a couple of years ago to help push the law through. He says Bay to Bay has a perfect safety record in 25 years in business. He credits part of that success to his 40-minute orientation for anyone renting a boat. "If they don't like it, I guess they can go somewhere else, but I don't want to put anyone on the lake that just wants to go out and party," said Jacob. In a few years, the law requiring a boating license will expand to include all Minnesotans under the age of 41. Anyone renting a boat will also need one, no matter their age. "I think it is a good idea because a lot of people don't even know what the signs [on the water] mean," said Ryan Mann, a teenager from Wayzata who got his permit when he was 15. Getting a permit requires passing a safety course and paying a $35 fee, which goes to the company running the course. Jacob says he's heard some boat clubs are worried the new rules could scare off customers. "I think it's worth sacrificing a couple rentals," said Jacob. "Dollars over safety? I take safety." Boating deaths have been at historic lows the last two years, according to data from the Department of Natural Resources. "We see this new requirement, which had bipartisan support and strong support from the boating community, as an important part of ensuring that trend continues," said Lieutenant Colonel Robert Gorecki with the DNR Enforcement Division.
CBS News
4 hours ago
- CBS News
Teen football standout paralyzed after Brooklyn Park shooting recounts what happened
Michael Blidi Jr. was a star outside linebacker at his central Pennsylvania high school. He's from a football family. His brother, Philip Blidi, was recently signed by the Tennessee Titans. As for Blidi Jr., he had a scholarship to play football at an Iowa community college, but his football hopes were put in serious jeopardy on May 29, while living with his dad in the Twin Cities. "I just thought my son was dying," said Michael's dad, Michael Blidi Sr. Blidi Jr. was shot in the abdomen, in the early morning hours, on the steps outside his Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, home. "I just heard him, 'Dad, dad, dad, dad' and I went downstairs, and he was on the floor bleeding profusely," said Blidi Sr. Blidi Sr. said his son was shot in his spine. "The doctor came to me and said, 'He's not going to walk again,' and that broke my heart," said Blidi Sr. Court documents said what started as an altercation during a basketball game at a park ended in gun violence just a few days later. According to the criminal complaint, men wearing ski masks drove by Blidi Jr.'s home. One of the men fired a shot before fleeing the scene. Brooklyn Park police arrested one man whom they believe helped the shooters. Police tell WCCO they are still investigating. "I look and I see a car that doesn't really look familiar, and I see people hop out with like ski masks on, and I just heard a loud sound and I felt myself drop," said Blidi Jr. After he was shot, Blidi Jr. said he screamed for help and couldn't feel his legs. He is still recovering in the hospital and working on physical therapy, hoping to someday walk and play football once again. With an uncertain future, Blidi Sr. said he's just thankful his son is still alive. "We'll hope that this turns out for the best," said Blidi Sr.
CBS News
10 hours ago
- CBS News
Missing central Minnesota man may be endangered, authorities say
Minnesota lawmakers return to Capitol for special session, and more headlines Minnesota lawmakers return to Capitol for special session, and more headlines Minnesota lawmakers return to Capitol for special session, and more headlines Authorities in central Minnesota are seeking the public's assistance in locating a man they say may be endangered after he went missing over the weekend. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says 29-year-old Phillip James Iverson, of Spicer, has not been seen since Saturday. Phillip James Iverson, 29, has been missing since Saturday. Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office Iverson is described as 6 feet tall and 180 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information about Iverson is asked to call the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office at 320-235-1260 or 911.
