Minneapolis Man Indicted for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity

MINNEAPOLIS - United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Ted Matthew Bennett, 58, of Minneapolis, has been indicted by a grand jury for his alleged role in knowingly persuading, inducing, enticing, and coercing a minor to engage in sexual activity from on or about January 1, 2025, through on or about November 11, 2025.

Bennett had his initial appearance hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Shannon G. Elkins on August 10, 2026.

According to state court documents, on November 10, 2025, police responded to a Ramsey County high school regarding a report of an alleged inappropriate relationship between a teacher and student. Law enforcement's investigation revealed that Bennett groomed and communicated with a minor student for months via text messages and emails. Text messages recovered during the investigation showed that Bennett repeatedly offered the minor student alcohol and drugs, and that Bennett and the minor student engaged in sexual activity on at least one occasion.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Secret Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gilead is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.