Twin Cities high school teacher charged with sexual abuse of student; police say "multiple prior victims" likely
A 58-year-old Twin Cities high school teacher is in custody and accused of sexually abusing one of his students, and police believe he has "multiple prior victims."
Ted Matthew Bennett, an English teacher at Mounds View High School in Arden Hills, Minnesota, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct in connection with the alleged abuse that occurred between October and earlier this month. School officials told police Bennett had worked at the school for 27 years.
Ramsey County court records state Mounds View police were called to the school on Monday, three days after two of the victim's friends first reported Bennett's alleged misconduct to school officials.
The victim told police Bennett exchanged personal emails and phone numbers with them at the end of the last school year and had "light" conversations throughout the summer, according to the criminal complaint. The victim also noted Bennett made comments about their body and looks throughout the previous school year.
Their interactions turned sexual in nature last month, with "significant amount" of cellphone evidence detailing Bennett's alleged abuse, police say, including describing the victim by a derogatory term whom he wanted to "punish."
Police say the abuse took place at surveillance camera-free locations inside the school as well as their vehicles during school hours, court records note, including an interaction last week where Bennett supplied the child — who had informed him they were struggling with mental health — with alcohol and Adderall pills. Right before that encounter, police say Bennett wrote in a text message, "Add on some more illegal behaviors to the list," according to the complaint.
The victim told police they were feeling "exhausted by the pressure" of Bennett's behavior, with their last interaction occurring on Sunday, when he texted them to say, "I was fired, lie to them and delete everything," court records note.
Bennett was arrested outside his Minneapolis residence on Tuesday, with police executing a search warrant and seizing "several electronic devices" and "handwritten notes," court documents state. Bennett is said to have "opted not to speak with police."
That same day, Mounds View High School principal Robert Reetz sent a letter to families and staff about the allegations, noting Bennett "was placed on administrative leave" and school officials are "cooperating with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department."
"We understand that this news may be upsetting to many, and our top concern remains focused on our students and supporting all who are experiencing a range of emotions," Reetz wrote. "The safety and well-being of our students is of the utmost importance."
The school says Bennett resigned on Wednesday.
Bennett's attorney, Brian Karalus, says his married client denies the allegations.
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office is encouraging "other individuals to come forward" who may have similar allegations against Bennett by calling their tip line at 651-266-7331.
Bennett faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted in this case. His next court appearance is on Jan. 27, 2026.
Last month, WCCO Investigates shared a series of stories on grooming in schools and the laws and policies surrounding it, plus the push for legislative changes to better protect students.
Sexual Assault Resources
- (SOS – Ramsey County)
- Sexual Violence Center (SVC – Hennepin County)
- Aurora Center (U of MN)
- 360 Communities (Dakota County)
- Hope Center (Rice County)
- Canvas Health (Washington County)
- Alexandra House (Anoka County)
General Sites for information related to sexual assault and resources throughout Minnesota:
General Sexual Assault Websites:
If you know of a child who may have been a victim of exploitation, call the National Center for Missing or Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 or visit the website.
