350-pound Minnesota teacher stood on sixth-grader's back, injuring boy, charges say

A teacher from Underwood, Minnesota, is facing a gross misdemeanor charge for allegedly stepping on the back of a sixth-grade student during a lockdown drill. Jason L. Rogers, 47, reportedly left the boy in significant pain, causing him to walk as if he were much older, according to the student's mother. The incident, which is under investigation, took place on February 10 and led to a report filed at Fergus Falls hospital.

The criminal complaint details that during the drill, the student was lying on his stomach when Rogers, weighing over 350 pounds, stepped on him with both feet for approximately 10 seconds. The student expressed his distress by crying, indicating he was unaware of Rogers' intentions as the teacher did not communicate his actions beforehand.

Rogers later explained to a detective that he intervened because he felt the class was not taking the drill seriously. He admitted to placing his foot on the student's back and removing it only when the child began to cry. Another student corroborated the account, stating that Rogers stepped on the victim using both feet.

The Underwood School District lists Rogers as a fifth- and sixth-grade science teacher, in addition to his roles as a co-head wrestling coach and junior high football coach. Following the incident, he has been placed on administrative leave while the matter is being addressed.

Rogers is scheduled for his first court appearance on April 8. The school district's superintendent has not commented on the situation as it develops.