College Coach Charged With Sexual Conduct With Minor

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - A women's basketball and cross-country coach at a private Christian college is charged with criminal sexual conduct involving a Shorewood teen.

According to the Hennepin County Attorney's office, Ryan Paul Chmielewski, 30, was charged Thursday with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Chmielewski, of St. Bonifacious, is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a 15-year-old girl in her parent's home on multiple occasions in December.

According to the criminal complaint, Chmielewski met the teen on the dating website OKCupid.com.

The victim claims that the defendant touched her sexually on several occasions on Dec. 18 and on Dec. 20.

The victim's father contacted South Lake Minnetonka Police on Dec. 22. Police posed as the victim and contacted Chmielewski on Jan. 6, inviting him to the victim's home. He was arrested upon arrival.

Police say the defendant acknowledged having sexual contact with the victim in a taped statement.

A spokesman for Crown College in St. Bonifacious says Chmielewski - the head women's basketball coach and head cross-country coach - was placed on paid administrative leave when the allegations came to light, and was terminated on Thursday afternoon. He is no longer employed at the school in any capacity.

If convicted, Chmielewski could face up to 15 years in prison.