A 63-year-old Austin man who teaches in Stewartville was charged last week for allegedly sexually touching female third-grade students.

Francis Allen Skinness, who teaches at Bonner Elementary School, faces two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. He has been summoned to appear in Olmsted County court on Aug. 24.

The charges stem from an April investigation by the sheriff’s department after they were contacted by Olmsted County Community Services, according to the criminal complaint.

Det. Lee Rossman went to the school to speak with principal David Nystuen, who said four girls from Skinness’ class had come to him on April 20 and told him about incidents with Skinness “invading their space.”

This included hugs that were “too long or too tight,” and Skinness standing behind the girls so that they felt his genitals against their backs, according to the complaint. The girls also told principal Nystuen that they had given Skinness a note asking him to stop on April 16.

According to the complaint, the victims said Skinness only touched them more after he received the note. 

Two of the girls told Det. Rossman that Skinness had touched their breasts and nipples multiple times, starting in fall 2008. Both girls said Skinness had used a stool where he allegedly had the girls sit between his legs while he pushed his genitals up against them and touched them. Det. Rossman seized the stool.

Skinness denies the allegations, according to the complaint, and said he does not remember committing the acts,  but if he did they were done unintentionally.