A Hopkins man working as a hall monitor at Eagle Ridge Academy in Minnetonka, Minn., was placed on administrative leave this week following his arrest on Monday afternoon on a probable cause charge of soliciting a minor for sex. The staff member has since been released from custody without being charged.
A statement emailed out to parents by the school’s executive director, Jason Ulbrich, and obtained by Alpha News stated (accused name and staff emails redacted):
“I am writing to follow up on a serious matter. The arresting charge information for a staff member at ERA, [redacted], shows that he was arrested based on probable cause for solicitation of a child. Mr. [redacted] has been placed on immediate administrative leave and will not be returning to Eagle Ridge Academy. Mr. [redacted] had been employed for one year as a hall monitor for the Upper School.
The safety and well-being of our students remains our highest priority. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in their investigation and will take all necessary steps to ensure a safe environment for your children. In addition, our school counselors and support services are available to any staff member, student, or family who may need assistance during this time. Upper School Counselor Mrs. Linda Kaiser will be the point of contact. Mrs. Kaiser can be contacted at [redacted].
We understand that this news is both troubling and concerning, and we are committed to transparency in our communication with you, within the limits of privacy and legal obligations. If you have any questions, concerns, or want to report any information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at [redacted].”
Jail records show that the staff member was released from custody about 48 hours after his arrest Wednesday afternoon without being charged. Information about the specific nature of the allegation or whether it involved a student at the school was not immediately available. Alpha News has chosen to redact the staff member’s name since he has not been charged at this time.
Alpha News reached out via email to the school to ask whether any investigation was ongoing at the school and whether the staffer would be reinstated in light of being released without charges.
Executive Director Ulbrich provided the following reply:
“ERA has started an investigation into the events and into our procedures. Mr. [redacted] is on paid administrative leave until Friday. 10/26 [sic]. He resigned his position, thus there was no need to terminate employment.”
Alpha News will watch for any future related developments or charges in this case.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.