Foster dad, teacher charged with molesting boys
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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Crystal foster parent who teaches special education in Brooklyn Park is accused of molesting his foster sons.
A criminal complaint charges 49-year-old Pen Dwaine Standifer with counts of first-degree, second-degree and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The first-degree count stems from a recent allegation, the other two date back to a 2005 incident with another boy.
The complaint says Crystal police were called to a gas station on Dec. 30, where a 15-year-old boy told them Standifer — his foster father — had smoked marijuana with him then sexually abused him.
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During the investigation, two other young men told officials they were molested by Standifer while under his care.
The Osseo School District placed Standifer on paid leave. There’s no indication any students at North View Junior High School were involved, but authorities and the school are investigating.
Standifer is in custody and unavailable for comment.
