St. Louis County (trfnews.i234.me) – A former Iron Range teacher and church leader is facing serious charges in St. Louis County.
Ryan Ross Denzer-Johnson, 43, of Embarrass, was charged Monday, August 18, with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a child under 14. Prosecutors say the victim is known to him, but the case is not connected to his work in schools or youth ministry roles.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim participated in a forensic interview last week and described incidents beginning in March 2023. She said Denzer-Johnson sexually touched her, sometimes multiple times a day, and another incident occurred as recently as July 2024.
Investigators learned Denzer-Johnson admitted to his wife earlier this month that he had sexually assaulted the girl. He reportedly told her the abuse began about two years ago and ended one year ago. During a police interview, Denzer-Johnson admitted to repeated assaults, recalling at least three incidents but saying, “I can’t tell you that that never happened other times.”
He also admitted there may have been grooming behavior before the assaults, according to prosecutors. In court filings, St. Louis County attorneys argued that Denzer-Johnson knew he posed a risk to minors but still placed himself in positions of access.
Judge Bhupesh Pattni set bail at $300,000 without conditions or $100,000 with conditions.
Denzer-Johnson has been licensed to teach math in Minnesota since 2014. He resigned from Northeast Range School in 2023 before joining Mesabi East Schools in Aurora. He also coached robotics programs. Both districts have confirmed he is no longer employed.
Mesabi East Superintendent Jeff Burgess said law enforcement confirmed the alleged conduct was not tied to the school district. He reassured parents that student safety remains the district’s top priority.
Denzer-Johnson is scheduled to appear in court again next Monday.
For more information on Minnesota criminal sexual conduct laws, visit the Minnesota Legislature.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Ryan Ross Denzer-Johnson