An Aitkin County police officer who worked in Hill City is facing a felony charge in Hennepin County, accused of using his badge, gear, and status as a cop to sexually assault a 17-year-old girl he met online.
The criminal complaint names 35-year-old Jordan Zempel and describes multiple encounters in which he allegedly highlighted his role in law enforcement. Prosecutors say he displayed a firearm and other police equipment and, at times, wore his uniform while the assaults were taking place.
What the complaint alleges
According to KSTP, the charging documents say Zempel met the teenager online and that she initially represented herself as 18, although she reportedly never provided proof of age. The complaint outlines three in-person meetings last fall.
During their first meeting, the complaint states, Zempel pulled out a gun. In later encounters, he allegedly showed the teen his badge, Taser, and vest, and on one occasion put her in handcuffs. The filing further alleges that he sexually assaulted her while wearing his police uniform during a separate incident.
Timeline and department response
FOX 9 reports the encounters occurred between Sept. 12 and Nov. 30, 2025. The case was referred to law enforcement in December after a therapist filed a mandated report, according to the outlet.
FOX 9 also reports that Zempel resigned from the Hill City Police Department in March, citing the distance from his home and family obligations. Investigators from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension handled the probe.
Legal context
As explained by the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota sets the age of consent at 16, but it is illegal for an adult who is more than 36 months older to have sex with a 16- or 17-year-old in certain situations, including when the adult is in a prohibited occupational relationship with the minor. That category includes people in positions of authority.
The state’s third-degree criminal sexual conduct statute also covers scenarios involving coercion or force. A conviction can carry up to 15 years in prison or a fine of up to $30,000. Prosecutors in Hennepin County are proceeding under that statutory framework in charging Zempel.
Investigation and next steps
Charging documents say Zempel voluntarily spoke with investigators and discussed the relationship during an encounter with police. He told them he understood the “position of authority” aspect of the situation, according to KSTP.
According to FOX 9, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension opened the investigation after receiving the mandated report from the therapist. KSTP reports that Zempel was charged via summons and is not currently in custody. His first court appearance is scheduled for June 8 in Hennepin County, where a judge is expected to set the next procedural dates.
Why this matters locally
The case adds to a growing list of allegations involving adults in positions of authority accused of sexual misconduct with minors, a pattern that has raised persistent questions about accountability and oversight in Minnesota. Local reporting in recent years has detailed prosecutions of coaches and officers across the state.
For example, the Post Bulletin covered the conviction and appeal of a former Rochester officer and coach who was found guilty of third-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a 16-year-old. As Zempel’s case moves through Hennepin County court, prosecutors will have to line up the complaint’s allegations with the specific statutory requirements that govern sexual conduct by adults in positions of authority over minors.
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