safety
Maple Grove fire chief charged with criminal sexual conduct involving teenage girl
By Kilat Fitzgerald at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX)
· July 11, 2026
· 1 min read
The Maple Grove fire chief is charged with criminal sexual conduct after a woman told law enforcement she was assaulted by him when she was a teenager in a fire explorer program.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The charges against the Maple Grove fire chief raise concerns about the safety and oversight of youth programs in the Twin Cities area. The fact that the alleged assault occurred in a fire explorer program, which is designed to introduce young people to careers in firefighting, suggests a breach of trust and responsibility. This case may prompt other local fire departments and youth organizations to review their own policies and procedures for protecting minors from abuse. In Minneapolis and surrounding communities, where many young people participate in similar programs, the need for vigilant supervision and clear reporting mechanisms is paramount. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, particularly if it leads to changes in how local authorities vet and monitor program leaders who work with teenagers.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 11, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Maple Grove fire chief is charged with criminal sexual conduct after a woman told law enforcement she was assaulted by him when she was a teenager in a fire explorer program.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 11, 2026 by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kilat Fitzgerald at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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