Teacher Charged With Soliciting Minor For Sex

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A Minneapolis middle school teacher is charged after authorities say he posted an online ad for a sexual encounter with a high school girl.

Prosecutors say 23-year-old Joel Fowler thought he was meeting a 14-year-old girl for sex when he was arrested. The charges say Fowler actually was meeting up with a St. Paul police sergeant posing as the girl.

Fowler, who lives in St. Louis Park, faces two felony counts, including soliciting a child through electronic communication.

Fowler was arrested Tuesday when he drove to Cherokee Park to meet up with the girl.

Fowler is a seventh grade social studies teacher for Olson Middle School. He earned his teaching license a year ago.

Minneapolis Public Schools say Fowler has been placed on administrative leave.