Northome coach charged with sexual misconduct

A high school boys basketball coach in northern Minnesota has been charged with criminal sexual conduct with a teenage girl.

Koochiching County prosecutors filed the felony charges against 39-year-old Robert Jay Stueven of Mizpah on Jan. 6. He posted $3,000 surety bond and has been released. Cash bail was set at $30,000.

Stueven’s attorney, Jay Pederson of Bemidji, says his client denies all the allegations.

Stueven was charged with two counts of first-degree sexual misconduct, and one count each of second-degree and third-degree sexual misconduct, according to court documents. The maximum sentence he could receive if convicted of the most severe charge is 30 years in prison and $40,000 fine.

The criminal complaint says the girl told sheriff’s deputies that Stueven assaulted her five or six times during 2006 in his home, when she was 14 years old.

Sheriff Brian Youso said the incidents alleged were not connected to any school district function or activity.

Stueven is the head coach of the Northome/Kelliher boys basketball team and a student support assistant for Northome High School.

Northome High School Principal Shannon Avenson says he was put on paid leave the same day the charges were filed.

Koochiching County officials were first notified of the complaint on Dec. 11.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.