Minnesota cop charged with raping teenager

*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 Minnesota law enforcement officer has been charged with raping a 17-year-old girl, according to charges filed Monday by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.

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.

The complaint, signed by Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Special Agent Pat LeVasseur and Hennepin County prosecutor Dan Allard, does not identify what law enforcement agency Zempel worked for. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office did not respond to a request for that information before this story was published.

His first appearance is scheduled for June 8 at 1:30 p.m. in front of Judge Sarah West at the Hennepin County Public Safety Facility room 141.

According to the complaint:

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.***