Former Iron Range teacher pleads guilty to sex crimes against child

VIRGINIA — A 44-year-old Embarrass man pleaded guilty to multiple counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in St. Louis County.

The charges, first filed Aug. 18, stem from Ryan Ross Denzer-Johnson’s repeated assaults of an adolescent relative.

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Ryan Denzer-Johnson, who also formerly taught at Northeast Range, was charged with three felony counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.

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Denzer-Johnson formerly taught math at Mesabi East and previously at Babbitt. He was also involved with school robotics programs as well as a leader in his church and youth ministry.

The teenage victim told law enforcement on Aug. 12 that Denzer-Johnson began sexually assaulting her over a 16-month period in 2023, according to the statement of probable cause.

The sentence will be determined at a Jan. 5, 2026, hearing. In a Wednesday, Nov. 12, news release, the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office described the plea agreement, allowing the state to pursue a prison sentence of more than 17 years. Denzer-Johnson's defense attorney can argue for the minimum sentence, which state sentencing guidelines place at almost 13 years behind bars.

“Today’s guilty plea ensures that Denzer-Johnson will be held accountable for the devastating harm he inflicted on a child. As a teacher and church leader, [he] was entrusted with the safety and development of children. That trust has been broken, and today’s plea is an important step toward accountability and healing,” stated County Attorney Kimberly Maki.
 
“We commend the bravery of the victim for coming forward and cooperating throughout this process. Her courage made this outcome possible.”