Associated Press

COLD SPRING, Minn.  — Officials at St. Boniface School in Cold Spring say a paraprofessional will accompany students when they are with a teacher who has been called a “person of interest” in the Jacob Wetterling case.

The elementary school principal, Sister Sharon Waldoch, tells the Star Tribune that officials decided the move was in the best interest of students.

The teacher, Daniel Rassier, was called a “person of interest” in July after authorities spent two days digging up his property. A number of items are being tested.

Rassier declined to comment to The Associated Press. Earlier, he proclaimed his innocence, and authorities say he has cooperated over the years. He has worked in the Rocori School District for over 30 years and will teach vocal music at St. Boniface this year.

Jacob Wetterling was 11 when a masked gunman abducted him in 1989 near Rassier’s property. He has never been found.