By: News Director Larissa Donovan
BEMIDJI– A former National Guard recruiter in the Bemidji area is now facing two criminal sexual conduct charges.
According to court documents, a second victim, identified as C.T., told investigators this spring about an incident in which 34-year-old Ryan Rivers inappropriately touched her in the summer of 2017 when she expressed interest in joining the National Guard, shortly after her 17th birthday.
Rivers, who now lives in Brainerd, was initially charged in January of this year when a 17-year-old victim from Blackduck was allegedly assaulted by Rivers.
The state intends to seek aggravated sentencing against Rivers due to multiple factors, such as the victims’ vulnerability and the severe psychological impact on the victim.
Rivers has been charged with criminal sexual conduct as a person in position of authority, and will make his next court appearance tomorrow.
