The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

June 17, 2009

Former Sibley East employee sentenced

By Robb Murray

GAYLORD — The former Sibley East School District employee accused of initiating a sexual relationship with a student has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Kevin Jones, 47, of Willmar pleaded guilty to one count of criminal sexual conduct in April. The charge stemmed from incidents beginning in summer 2006 when Jones was employed as the transportation director of the Sibley East School District.

He met a 14-year-old student at a church hog roast, Sibley County authorities said, and during the ensuing months their relationship evolved. Eventually the pair was having intercourse at various sites, including a bus garage, authorities said.

In addition to prison time, Jones must serve four years on supervised release, register as a sex offender and pay $2,928 in restitution.

Authorities say that during the early stages of the his relationship with the victim, Jones began exchanging phone calls, e-mails and text messages with her.

He then began grooming her for sexual contact, telling the girl he loved her and calling her names such as “baby” and “precious.”

In summer 2007, the student was employed by the district as a janitor when Jones kissed her. During the next several months, they saw each other regularly at school and during trips to sporting events in which Jones was occasionally the bus driver. Before the girl ended the relationship in the summer of 2008, the complaint says Jones had intercourse with her at several school facilities — including bus garages and laundry rooms — and in his home.

Police and school officials were alerted to the situation in September 2008. Jones, who was employed by the district for nine years, was placed on paid suspension and later terminated.

In February, Jones violated the terms of his parole when he attempted to make contact with the victim through instant messaging, authorities said. When contacted by Sibley County police officials, the complaint says Jones responded by saying: “Why do I do such stupid (expletive)?”

In April, Jones pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and to a misdemeanor violation of a restraining order. Four other counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct as well as a felony violation of a restraining order were dismissed.



Staff Writer Tanner Kent contributed to this report.

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