Minnesota Youth Pastor Arrested On Child Sex Charges

The Minnesota Inforum reports:

An Embarrass, Minnesota, man who has served as a teacher and church leader is accused of sexually assaulting a child. Ryan Ross Denzer-Johnson, 43, was charged Monday, Aug. 18, with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct against a child under the age of 14.

Denzer-Johnson has worked as a math teacher at Mesabi East Schools in Aurora and Northeast Range School in Babbitt in recent years, according to public records, but is no longer employed at either. Prosecutors said he has also recently served in youth ministry and on the advisory board at an unspecified church.

The complaint says Denzer-Johnson was interviewed Thursday and admitted to repeatedly touching the child. He allegedly recalled three specific incidents but stated, “I can’t tell you that that never happened other times.”

Read the full article.

The Embarrass, Minnesota, man allegedly confessed to deputies, saying there was probably “some grooming” and admitting he had prior concerns that he may sexually harm girls. https://t.co/Bhhuz1rth2

— WDAY TV News (@WDAYnews) August 19, 2025