CALEDONIA, Minnesota (WXOW) - A court appearance Wednesday for the La Crescent Montessori Academy teacher facing charges of criminal sexual contact involving students.
Police arrested Jason David Barker last month. According to the criminal complaint, a student under the age of 13 told a teacher that Barker touched her inappropriately more than five times. Another student told a similar story.
Wednesday's hearing was Barker's first appearance with his attorneys. He is already out on bond. At the brief hearing, Barker's attorneys were given the evidence from prosecutors.
The envelope of interviews and witness statements was handed to the defense after a judge signed a protective order, due to the sensitive nature of the case.
"What this means is there are certain conditions under which video, audio and statements of juveniles are provided," said Richmond H. McCluer, Jr., one of Barker's attorneys. "The judge signed the order allowing that and then all of those materials are provided to the defense."
As part of the conditions of his bond, Barker is not to leave Minnesota. However, Wednesday the judge said Barker, who lives in Winona according to court records, can travel to La Crosse for shopping and banking purposes, though he has to take the I-90 bridge and cannot travel through La Crescent.
Barker has a previous felony conviction of criminal damage to property. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 27.
