Students Claim Sexual Abuse

Several third grade students say their teacher has been sexually abusing them. Now that Stewartville teacher is facing some serious charges.

[Brandie]

"But Ostrem says, even if convicted, it's likely Skinness won't serve any jail time."

"A first offense like this, and he doesn't appear to have any history - would mean that he would likely not go to prison on a first offense," says Ostrem.

At least four kids come forward with information that this man is touching them inappropriately but he's going to get off(no pun intended) because it's his first offense? Says WHO? Now that his name is brought forward I sure hope other children, IF, there are other children, come forward and prove that this was not his first offense. I'm sickened by these statements of the County Attorney-shame on you Ostrem-put this man away regardless of 1st offense or not-it only takes ONCE to start a pattern of abuse. If he is let go now, he will only continue!

[wow]

Brandie you really need to educate yourself. You fear mongers cause so much unneeded hysteria all of the time.

A man of that age would have a pattern of abuse by now... it just doesn't POP UP SUDDENLY at 63 years old. Plus, even if he was convicted, and didn't do any time you think he will just walk away free? No, he will have to register as a sex offender, do treatment, will have many restrictions, etc. He will just not "roam free".

Also, things have t be looked into if it happened to other kids in his classes other years... if not, it seems really suspicious that it JUST started to happen now with this group. Maybe they don't like him and wanted to find a way to get him into trouble? Who knows, all of that needs to be looked into.

It is a good thing there is such a thing as "INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY" in this country.

[Brandie]

I didn't really intend to imply that this all of a sudden started now. I am fully aware that this probably didn't pop up suddenly. But four kids have come forward, I am sure there are others whom have fallen victim to this perve and it has stemmed for a long time. I really don't think your comment about me needing to educate myself. I am a sexual abuse victim, not to one, but three family members. One was let go because my wonderful mother decided not to cooperate with the police so the state was forced to drop the charges, guess where he sits now, Stillwater Prison because he went on to molest at LEAST 5 more children, including his own!

This man being accused has probably been doing this type of thing for years but is now finally being reported. I don't think much education is needed here that he is guilty until proven innocent; yes, everything needs to be looked into-but do you seriously think 3rd graders are going to come forth with this much information and detail if it really wasn't happening? Get real!

[wow]

Brandie, get counseling. And yes, you do need to educate yourself. Not every sexual abuse case is the same.

[Up North]

Brandie...
What happend to our belief's in Innocent until proven guilty? I can smell your disgust from here (Canadian Border)! This respected Teacher has been "accused", I sure hope some idiot doesn't "accuse" you of something in the near future. Possibly striping you of everything you have ever worked for just like that.

If it were your father, husband, son or relative who is important in your life, would you be so quick to judge? Or talk about with such disgust? This man has a family and I think they deserve some respect in all of this?
As I see it, people with small minds judge others on heresay and rumor, before collecting the facts.

I agree with WOW, get therapy.