Blaine Teacher Accused Of Sexual Assault Released From Jail

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Blaine elementary school teacher accused of sexually assaulting a fourth grade girl is no longer in custody.

Kenneth Sonnenfeld, 52, has been teaching in Anoka County schools for 24 years. According to the district, he has a clean record.

However, on Tuesday, Anoka County officials received a report that Sonnenfeld sexually assaulted a 9-year-old girl from a period of time between December 2014 through spring of 2015.

The criminal complaint said Sonnenfeld would touch the girl inappropriately when she stood at his desk getting help with math and science problems.

Also, according to the Anoka County Attorney's Office, Sonnenfeld was previously investigated for a similar allegation in 1997 when he taught at a different school.

A girl in his '97 class told investigators he touched her inappropriately multiple times during the school year. One of the girl's friends also came forward with similar allegations.

That friend ended up changing her story and the Anoka County Attorney's Office said they didn't have  enough evidence to prove the case, so Sonnenfeld was never charged.

On Wednesday, the Anoka County Attorney's Office charged Sonnenfeld with criminal sexual conduct.

On Thursday, Sonnenefeld stood in court as a judge granted him $100,000 bond if he stays away from the accuser and is only around kids if supervised.

She also granted an unconditional bond for $500,000.

As of Friday morning, Sonnenfeld was no longer in custody. He's expected back in court on the current charge in April.