Former teacher and church leader sentenced to 18 years for Criminal Sexual Conduct involving minor

VIRGINA, Minn. — Embarrass man, Ryan Ross Denzer-Johnson, 44, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree involving a minor child under the age of 14, according to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office.

Denzer-Johnson was a former teacher, foster parent and participated in youth ministry.

During a court hearing in November 2025, Denzer-Johnson pleaded guilty to the charges in connection with assaults that he committed between March of 2023 and July of 2024.

According to court records the victim was only 11 years old when the sexual abuse started.