UW-RF prof faces trial in sex assault

A UW-River Falls music professor will go to trial on felony sex assault stemming from an incident in a Hudson theater complex.

Thomas William Barnett, 43, appeared before Judge Eric J. Lundell Tuesday morning on charges of second-degree sex assault of a child and false imprisonment.

Following testimony from two witnesses who were in the Cinema 12 Theater when the alleged incident occurred at about 9 p.m. Aug. 16, the court ruled there was probable cause a felony was committed by Barnett.

An arraignment hearing when Barnett will plead to the charges was set for Nov. 10 at 2 p.m.

The professor is accused of posing as a security agent at the theater, detaining a girl who was 13 years old at the time and inappropriately touching her.

The girl’s boyfriend, who was with her in the theater at the time, told the court he saw Barnett in the theater and he talked to his girlfriend but he did not see him touch her. He said they were alone together for a period of time.

Theater assistant manager Wendy Jacob testified that Barnett was in the theater and apparently talking to the girl after the movie let out.

The criminal complaint alleged Barnett told the young couple he was theater security and had video of their activity in the theater he would make public unless she complied with his requests.

The boyfriend told the court he learned there was no theater security or video tape at the theater and called for a manager and police.

Tags: crime and courts, news, crime