Former Teacher In Sex Assault Case Now Accused Of Witness Tampering
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A former Mounds View high school teacher previously charged with felony sex crimes is now accused of trying to prevent the victim from cooperating in the case.
According to a new criminal complaint, prosecutors say Ted Matthew Bennett, 58, contacted the student despite a court order and used emotional pressure in an attempt to influence her involvement in the case.
> Sign up for the MN CRIME newsletter
Bennett, of Arden Hills, was previously charged with third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct stemming from an illegal sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student while he was employed as a high school English teacher. He appeared in court on those charges on Nov. 25, 2025, and was released after posting bail. A no-contact order prohibiting any communication with the student was issued and remains in effect.
PREVIOUSLY: Arden Hills Teacher Charged With Sex Crimes
According to the new complaint, the student reported on Jan. 14 that Bennett had contacted her the night before from an unknown phone number while she was at home. The two reportedly spoke for approximately eight hours, the documents say.
During the call, Bennett allegedly told the student that he had a plan to kill himself if he returned to jail and said his “life was over” if additional information about the case came out. Prosecutors say Bennett claimed he had written multiple goodbye letters to family and friends, including a letter to the student that he described as 12 pages long.
The student later told school administrators about the call, prompting concern that Bennett might harm himself. Investigators were also told that Bennett said he was receiving support from another teacher at the school, who is currently one of the student’s teachers.
A review of the student’s phone showed text messages exchanged on Jan. 13 with a number linked to Bennett’s wife, according to investigators. One message attributed to Bennett read, “I can’t write what I want to. I hope I can someday soon. I’m glad to hear from you.”
READ MORE > Arden Hills coverage
The student also texted a friend during the early morning hours of Jan. 14, saying she was in an hours-long conversation with Bennett.
Prosecutors allege Bennett continued to express affection for the student and discussed legal strategy during the call, including statements that his attorney was attempting to portray the student as mentally ill and responsible for ruining his life.
As part of the investigation, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office opened a tip line seeking information about Bennett’s behavior. Authorities say 17 former students have since come forward reporting concerning interactions, including one report alleging a separate sexual relationship with a student who did not want to pursue a complaint against Bennett.
Bennett is now charged with first-degree tampering with a witness after prosecutors say he used threats of self-harm to intentionally attempt to prevent or dissuade the student from testifying or participating in court proceedings, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Bennett was taken into custody and made his first court appearance on the new charge Thursday, where a judge set bail at $1 million. He remains jailed with his next court appearance scheduled for Jan 27. His underlying criminal sexual conduct case is also scheduled for a court hearing the same day.
Authorities say anyone with information or who wants to report concerns about Bennett’s behavior, including students, staff and parents, is encouraged to call the tip line at 651-266-7331.
