WABASHA, Minn. – A warrant was issued for the arrest of the principal of Hayfield High School, alleging sexual misbehavior when he was growing up. The criminal complaint naming Grant Thomas Klennert, 37. charges him with criminal sexual conduct. Sheriff Rodney Bartsh said deputies were unable to locate Klennert immediately to serve papers. Klennert has been with Hayfield schools, 70 miles and two counties away away for 16 years. The complaint says he was a minor when the incidents occurred. The complaint says authorities began following a tip this  October, which turned up three victims who alleged:

> 1997-2003: When Klennert was a seventh grader, he began regular sexual assaults on a second-grader and eventually did so almost daily when adults weren’t around. This continued six years until Klennert left for college.

> Roughly 1998: A girl who saw Klennert sexually assault the first child then was assaulted sexually herself when they were “13 or 14.” She told officers that she repeatedly told Klennert no and tried to resist.

> 2001: Klennert sexually assaulted a video-game partner who was 7 at the time.

Klennert. First accuser came forward two months ago, which led investigators to two more persons claiming to have been violated. The cases were 19 to 25 years ago. Image: School file

The complaint

The incidents being alleged were either in or near Wabasha or or Lake City. The criminal complaint was filed on Wabasha County District Court.

Prison time

Klennert faces two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, punishable by 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine, and one count of second-degree criminal conduct, punishable by 25 years in prison and a $35,000 fine.

Klennert profile

Holds a1985 degree in chemistry from St. Olaf College. Also a 2015 master’s from Saint Mary’s University in teaching and learning. Joined faculty at Hayfield in 2006 and taught science. Became an assistant principal in 2016 and high school principal in 2019. Also coached football.