Former Officer From Apple Valley Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 17-Year-Old

HILL CITY, MN — A former law enforcement officer is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl after meeting her online, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court.

Jordan Zempel, 35, of Apple Valley, was charged with one felony count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a victim who was 16 or 17 and an actor who was more than 36 months older and in a position of authority.

The complaint says the alleged conduct happened between Sept. 12, 2025, and Nov. 30, 2025, in Hennepin County.

Zempel is not currently in custody, according to the complaint. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance June 8 in Hennepin County District Court.

The case was investigated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

According to the complaint, law enforcement received a report in December 2025 from a therapist who was making a mandated report involving a 17-year-old girl and Zempel, who was described in the complaint as a 35-year-old licensed peace officer.

BCA agents later spoke with the victim, who said she met Zempel online and that their chat "turned sexual quickly," according to the complaint.

The victim told investigators that she told Zempel she was 18, but never showed him an ID, according to the complaint. She also told investigators that Zempel saw her high school pictures, the complaint says.

The victim said she knew Zempel was in law enforcement before they met in person, according to the complaint.

She told investigators that Zempel’s status as a police officer was "well-known" and that he referenced having power and guns, the complaint says.

According to the complaint, the victim told investigators that when they first met, Zempel pulled out a gun and said, "You’re safer with me than anyone else."

The complaint says the victim also reported that Zempel showed her his badge, taser and vest, had her put on an earpiece and handcuffed her at one point.

The victim told investigators that she and Zempel had sexual contact during their first meeting, according to the complaint.

She said they met again in October in Minneapolis, where another incident occurred in Zempel’s car, the complaint says.

The victim also reported a third alleged incident in November, when Zempel was wearing his police officer uniform, according to the complaint.

The complaint says Zempel later made unsolicited comments to police, indicating he understood the investigation involved a “position of authority” issue tied to his role as a police officer.

A judicial officer found probable cause to support the charge on May 14, according to court records.

Zempel was charged by summons. The summons says failure to appear for his June 8 hearing will result in a warrant for his arrest.

Third-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of between $10,000 and $30,000.

A criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. Zempel is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.