Bemidji: Kemmer Faces 3 First-Degree Sex Charges
BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Jerrold Ryan Kemmer faces three felony first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.
Kemmer, 46, was charged in Beltrami County District Court.
The case is filed as 04-CR-26-2126.
The complaint alleges sexual abuse involving a minor over several years.
The alleged conduct spans from July 2019 through July 2025.
Three First-Degree Charges Filed
Count One concerns alleged sexual contact when the minor was younger than 13.
Prosecutors allege Kemmer was more than 36 months older than the child.
That count covers alleged conduct between July 2019 and September 2021.
Count Two alleges sexual contact while the child was younger than 14.
That charge covers alleged conduct from September 2021 through July 2024.
Count Three involves alleged contact with a child younger than 16.
Prosecutors also allege Kemmer had a significant relationship with the child.
No police officer names are included in this report.
Jerrold Ryan Kemmer | Minnesota DOC public registrant image
Investigation Began After Disclosures
The complaint says the investigation began after family members reported statements made by two minors.
Investigators later arranged forensic interviews at a child advocacy center.
The three filed charges concern alleged conduct involving one minor identified only as Victim 1.
The complaint says the child described repeated sexual contact over several years.
The child also alleged Kemmer tried to make the conduct appear normal.
Investigators say some alleged incidents occurred at Kemmer’s Bemidji residence.
The complaint also alleges incidents occurred at other Bemidji locations.
Specific identifying information about the minors has been withheld.
Potential Penalties Are Severe
All three counts cite Minnesota Statute 609.342.
Each first-degree criminal sexual conduct count is a felony.
A conviction can carry up to 30 years in prison.
A fine of up to $40,000 is also possible.
The statute generally presumes a 144-month executed sentence, subject to applicable sentencing rules.
Those penalties are not sentences against Kemmer.
Case Remains Pending
The complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.
Kemmer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
He was reported in custody at the Beltrami County Jail after charges were filed.
Current custody information is available through the Beltrami County inmate locator.
Public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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