CAMBRIDGE, Minn. (WCCO) — A 55-year-old Cambridge man has been charged with criminal sexual conduct while giving spiritual device as a minister, according to the Isanti County Attorney’s Office.
Ryan Jay Muelhauser faces one felony count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct while giving religious advice.
According to the criminal complaint, the adult male victim reported to police that Muehlauser sexually assaulted him while serving as his minister and mentor for a period of four to five months. During the assaults, Muelhauser told the victim that he “hearing the Lord tell him what to do.”
When the alleged incidents occurred, Muelhauser, a pastor at Lakeside Christian Church, was helping the victim with his “homosexual tendencies,” the complaint said.
If convicted, Muelhauser faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000.
