Former Minnesota cop charged with raping teenager posts $50k bail

*Disclaimer: Criminal complaints are based off law enforcement’s and prosecutor's interpretation of what a defendant did. They should not be considered factual by the public. All those charged with crimes are innocent until proven in a court of law. Any accusation in the below story comes from court documents unless expressly noted.*

MINNEAPOLIS – A former Minnesota law enforcement officer accused of raping a 17-year-old girl was released after posting a $50,000 bond during a Monday afternoon hearing in Hennepin County District Court.

Jordan Zempel, 35, of Apple Valley, is facing one felony count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct involving penetration while in a position of authority.

While the age of consent is 16 years old in Minnesota, the state bars people in certain jobs, like law enforcement, from sexual relationships with all children.

In Monday’s hearing before Judge Sarah West, she granted a no contact order for Zempel, barring him from visiting the alleged victim’s residence, work or school grounds.

Zempel, who resigned from the Hill City Police Department in March, will continue to be free while his case works through the system provided he remain law abiding and attend all future court hearings.

Before the hearing, his lawyer, Jeremy Plesha, repeatedly called the prosecutor for the hearing, Judith Cole, “cranky,” when speaking to his client.

Zempel’s next hearing is scheduled for July 30 at the Hennepin County Government Center.

According to the complaint:

The complaint, signed by Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Special Agent Pat LeVasseur and Hennepin County prosecutor Dan Allard says that the girl’s therapist, a mandated reporter, notified law enforcement about Zempel’s repeated sexual assaults against the girl.

After the investigation was turned over to the Minnesota BCA for investigation, the girl reported that the two met online and first met in person in September 2025.

Zempel allegedly told the girl she could not say no to him because he had friends in the police department before pulling out a gun and telling her “You’re safer with me than anyone else.”

She reported that Zempel raped her three times, including once while he was wearing his police officer uniform.

During questioning Zempel made several comments that indicated he had a sexual relationship with the girl and that he had looked up a statute regarding it.

“I kind of get what is going on here and I get that position of authority thing,” he allegedly told police. “I get that. I saw that too. I’m like ‘Oh fuck, damn.’"

***For help following a sexual assault, please visit the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault to find advocacy and medical services.***