East Grand Forks Teacher John Kinzler Ordered to Stand Trial

URGENT UPDATE: A significant legal development has just emerged as Polk County District Judge Russell Anderson ordered East Grand Forks teacher John Kinzler to stand trial on multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct. This ruling follows allegations from several students who accused Kinzler of inappropriate touching during the 1989-90 school year.

According to Polk County Court Administrator Jim O’Neill, Kinzler, aged 30, faces nine counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and nine counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The accusations surfaced after five girls reported that Kinzler had put his hand on their buttocks while they were students. Subsequent investigations revealed similar allegations from two additional girls, highlighting a troubling pattern.

Kinzler has vehemently denied all wrongdoing. Currently, he has been released on his own recognizance but is prohibited from contacting any of the students involved in the case. Notably, he continues his role as a teacher at Central Middle School, although he resigned from his position as the girls’ basketball coach on October 22.

As of now, no trial date has been officially set, but O’Neill indicated that proceedings are unlikely to commence before January. This case has raised significant concerns in the East Grand Forks community, where parents and students are anxious about the implications of these allegations.

The ongoing trial will not only impact Kinzler’s career but also the lives of the students who have bravely come forward to report these incidents. Community members are encouraged to stay informed as this story develops, as it raises critical questions about safety and accountability within educational environments.

Stay tuned for more updates as this case unfolds.