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 By Patrick Tepoorten
Timothy Alan Bowland, 39, Rush City, high school social studies
teacher and varsity wrestling coach, appeared in court for the first
time Tuesday, following allegations of sexual assault by a 17-year-old
female student.
According to Rush City School District Superintendent Vern Koepp, the
district was first made aware of an allegation by a student last
Thursday afternoon, Jan. 17. The district contacted the Chisago County
Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Department of Education immediately.
Pictured: Timothy Bowland
According to the criminal complaint, the original allegation was
made to the principal and a high school counselor by a friend of the
victim. She informed the staff members that the victim confided
in her that Bowland had engaged in sexual contact with her.
Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office, including Tracy Armistead,
conducted an investigation at the district the following morning,
Friday, Jan. 18, and questioned the victim in the process. At that
time, the victim gave a statement alleging Bowland had sexually touched
her, in his office after hours, sometime between Dec. 1 and Dec. 15,
2007.
The victim also alleged that Bowland had asked her about sex on
previous occasions and on at least one occasion had attempted to grab
her breast.
Based on the victim’s statement, investigators made the decision to
arrest Bowland shortly after 12:30 p.m. that same day. According
to Chief Deputy Bob Shoemaker, Bowland was transported to the Chisago
County Jail and booked for third degree criminal sexual assault charges.
“This is a very emotional and trying time for us,” said Koepp on Monday
morning, Jan. 21. “The victim and the faculty member are people we care
about,” he said, adding that it was a “very challenging situation.”
Koepp stated that Bowland, an employee of the district since 2004, was
placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the
investigations, and is not to have any contact with students or be on
school property. Koepp also stated that Bowland was made aware of that
before he was transported last Friday.
Currently, there are three investigations underway. That of the County
Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s investigators, one by the Minnesota
Department of Education, and an internal investigation by the school
district, which is being handled by the district’s legal counsel.
While the criminal investigation is focused on the possibility of
criminal actions, Koepp said the two other investigations are focused
primarily on whether any “moral or ethical violations” occurred.
Pending the outcome of any of the investigations, the school board
could decide to continue Bowland’s leave with pay, approve a leave
without pay, or choose to either reinstate or dismiss him. But Koepp
stressed that the district does not necessarily have to wait for a
trial outcome to take action. “When at any point there is solid ground
to stand on, the school board can make a decision,” he said.
As to the circumstances the district finds itself in, Koepp said,
“While we place a high priority on student and staff safety and
privacy, and we will be as forthcoming with information as we can,
there is a lot we can’t disclose,” and added that the district intends
to cooperate fully with investigations.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Bowland was officially charged with one count of
third degree criminal sexual conduct. The penalty for a conviction on
that charge is up to 15 years in prison and $30,000 in fines.
Bail was set at $50,000 and Bowland was ordered to have no contact with
the victim. As of early Tuesday afternoon, Bowland was being processed
for release from jail.
His next court appearance is scheduled for April 1, at 8:30 a.m.
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