VIRGINIA — The state of Minnesota intends to seek a stiffer penalty than typical in the felony criminal sexual conduct case against a former teacher at two Iron Range schools.
Ryan Denzer-Johnson, 43, of Embarrass faces three felonies after he allegedly sexually assaulted an adolescent female relative.
Denzer-Johnson was most recently a high school math teacher at Mesabi East in Aurora until his resignation shortly before the charges. He also taught at Northeast Range in Babbitt and was involved in both schools’ robotics teams.
The prosecutor filed a notice of intent to seek the upward departure of sentencing guidelines based on aggravating factors.
One of the factors is the victim’s particular vulnerability due to her age and relationship to Denzer-Johnson. The second factor listed in court documents is that the alleged offense was committed in a location in which the victim had an expectation of privacy.
The teenage victim told law enforcement that Denzer-Johnson sexually assaulted her over a 16-month period beginning in 2023.
Denzer-Johnson remains jailed in St. Louis County. His next court appearance is Monday, Oct. 13.
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