A former elementary teacher with almost three decades of classroom experience has been charged with fondling three of his fourth-grade students.
James E. Wind, 56, Taylorsville-Bennion, is charged with three counts of lewdness, a class B misdemeanor, for allegedly fondling three girls in his class at Jim Bridger Elementary School, 5368 W. Cy-clamen Way (6373 South).In August, Wind called a 9-year-old girl to his classroom and had her sit by his desk. While discussing her grades, the defendant put his hand on her knee and upper leg, then touched her over her clothing, according to a 3rd Circuit Court complaint.
On another occassion, the complaint states, a 9-year-old girl got the hiccups while in Wind's class. Prosecutors say he told her to stand with her arms outstretched, then came up behind her and placed his hands on her breasts.
Earlier this year, Wind hit a another 9-year-old girl on the buttocks with a ruler or yard stick and then rubbed her buttocks and asked if she was OK, according to the charges.
Parents of the three girls contacted the Salt Lake County sheriff's office in mid-September, saying Wind had "inappropriately touched" their daughters, said Granite School District spokesman Kent Gardner.
Wind, a 28-year-veteran of the district, was immediately placed on paid leave pending the sheriff's investigation. Wind opted to retire in early November.
Wind was not available for comment Wednesday, but a family member said Wind could not discuss the charges prior to a hearing.
"(Wind's) whole career has been dedicated to education and his family; we just hope (people) can give us a chance before making a judgment," said the family member, who asked not to be identified.
"It's sad that a child can make an allegation and it becomes fact," she added.