Sheriff: Former Rush City Teacher Sexually Abused Student In 1980s

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A former teacher in the Rush City School District is facing charges after being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, according to the Chisago County Sheriff's Office.

Jon Michael Hughes was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct after a year-long investigation. The victim reported the abuse and came forward with the allegations in December of 2014.

A juvenile female had reported being sexually abused by Hughes, her former teacher, in the Rush City School District in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Hughes resigned from his position on Nov. 21, 2000, after a complaint was filed with the district regarding the sexual abuse of a minor female.

An investigation showed Hughes entered into a signed stipulation with the Minnesota Board of Teaching in September 2001, acknowledging he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with the victim during his term as a teacher in the school district.

Hughes was an assistant men's basketball coach at the University of St. Thomas for 25 years. He retired after the 2015-16 season, one which finished for the Tommies with a 30-3 record and a national championship. St. Thomas officials released a statement Thursday morning.

"Jon Hughes retired as assistant men's basketball coach at the end of the 2015-16 season. News of these charges and the allegations are a surprise to the university's leadership, its director of athletics and its head men's basketball coach. The university is reviewing this matter," the statement reads.

Anyone with additional information connected to the case should contact the Chisago County Sheriff's Office at (651) 213-6321.