Former teacher and basketball coach charged with sexual abuse of children

MINNEAPOLIS — A former Minneapolis basketball coach and teacher was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday for allegedly assaulting several of his students and players over the course of eight years.

Aaron Hjermstad is charged with 12 counts of first-degree sexual abuse involving the penetration of 12 different victims, all under the age of 13. The Justice Department says he coached many of the children or one of their relatives at Hospitality Youth Development and Harvest Best Academy, and was also a physical education and health instructor at The Mastery School.

The attacks took place between 2013 and 2021, the Ministry of Justice said.

Hjermstad is already serving a 12-year prison sentence for sexually abusing four boys, the Justice Department said. He fled the state before his sentencing but was stopped in Idaho in December 2021.

When he was stopped, officers found thousands of videos of him attacking children, including the 12 victims, and referred the case to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

“Hjermstad intentionally harmed children who had every right to trust him as their teacher and coach. We will seek lengthy prison sentences to ensure the safety of the children in our community,” said Hennepin County District Attorney Mary Moriarty.

Each charge carries a sentence of up to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.

The Public Prosecutor's Office and the Office for the Apprehension of Criminals encourage all victims of Hjermstad to come forward to ensure that victims receive the necessary support and resources.

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If you know of a child who may have been a victim of exploitation, call the National Center for Missing or Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 or visit the website.