A former Albert Lea schools band director pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges that he kissed and fondled a student.

Wednesday, April 11, 2001

A former Albert Lea schools band director pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges that he kissed and fondled a student.

Russel Alan Konrad 41, of Robbinsdale, Minn, didn’t address the court. His attorney, Sam McCloud, submitted the not guilty plea and requested a jury trial.

Because of the number of witnesses involved, McCloud estimated the trial could take as many as five days.

Konrad’s trial is planned for November. Because of the length of time requested by McCloud, it will be some time before the trial can be worked into the schedule, said Judge James Broberg. The trial may be heard by another judge to facilitate scheduling.

Konrad resigned from his position as Albert Lea High School Band Instructor after being charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct and one count of solicitation of a juvenile last spring.