Minnesota man accused of molesting girls under 5

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Harvey Theodore Kneifl of Woodbury, Minnesota, was a school bus assistant who helped young children, many of whom have special needs, into their seats
A four-year-old girl told her parents Kneifl rubbed her genitals on February 3
Her dad reported it to police, sparking investigation that uncovered six victims
Kneifl told officials he 'he puts his hands on the girls' thighs rubbing them'
He denied touching their genitals and said he was giving them affection missing from home
The 70-year-old was arrested and charged with second-degree sexual assault

Published: 16:52 EST, 9 February 2017 | Updated: 17:54 EST, 9 February 2017

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Harvey Theodore Kneifl was charged with sexually molesting at least six girls

A 70-year-old school bus assistant was charged with sexually molesting at least six girls, ages three to five, according to a criminal complaint.

Harvey Theodore Kneifl, helped young children, many of whom have special needs, into their seats as a bus assistant in Woodbury, Minnesota.

An investigation was launched after a four-year-old told her parents Kneifl rubbed her genitals, and video footage showed him touching several young girls over their clothes, according to the criminal complaint cited by KTSP.

Kneifl, who was immediately placed on administrative leave, was arrested and charged with six counts of second-degree sexual assault.

The father of the four-year-old girl notified police on February 4, sparking an investigation that uncovered other alleged victims.

The girl said a substitute aide, later identified as Kneifl, rubbed her leg on her way to school the previous day. He also rubbed her genital area several times, the criminal complaint said.

Video footage showed Kneifl touching six girls, and investigators are looking into whether there are any additional victims.

Three of the six girls were interviewed at a facility for young victims of sexual abuse, and all three said Kneifl touched their genitals, KARE11 reported.

Kneifl told authorities he believed he could become closer to the children than their parents, and seemed to think he was showing the girls affection, according to the complaint.

Kneifl, helped young children, many of whom have special needs, into their seats as a bus assistant in Woodbury, Minnesota (file photo)

He 'admitted that he likes to tickle, poke and hug the children, that he puts his hands on the girls' thighs rubbing them,' according to the complaint.

'He denied rubbing any of the genital areas, claiming he make the girls feel good because "they come from a hard life and likely do not get any sort of affection at home,'" the complaint stated.

The South Washington County Transportation Company, which runs the school buses, is cooperating with the police.

Kneifl was placed on administrative leave, and Superintendent Keith Jacoby notified all of the parents in the district.

The school district conducted a background check on Kneifl before he was hired, and the 70-year-old does not have a previous record.