HUGO, MN – A 44-year-old Hugo man, Jeremy John Miller, is facing serious charges after an incident at a community pool involving two minors. On Thursday, August 1, 2025, the Washington County Attorney’s Office formally charged Miller with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony under Minnesota law, involving juveniles under the age of 18.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Sunday, July 28, at a public pool located on the 15200 block of Farnham Avenue North in Hugo, where deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were called to investigate allegations of inappropriate behavior.
Allegations and Initial Investigation
According to the criminal complaint, deputies responded to multiple reports from community members concerned about an adult male behaving inappropriately toward minors. Upon arrival, law enforcement spoke with several witnesses, including juveniles and supervising adults who had been present at the time.
A 14-year-old girl reported that the man, later identified as Jeremy Miller, engaged her in conversation while playing games in the pool, made comments of a personal nature, and made unwanted physical contact. She alleged that during a game of “chicken,” the man suggested she sit on his shoulders and made comments about being divorced and wanting a girlfriend. She also claimed the man made gestures while touching his own body and, later during another game, approached her in the water and touched her inappropriately.
In a separate account, a 13-year-old boy told deputies that the same man had made unwanted contact with him during pool games, including placing his hands near the boy’s midsection and lower torso. The boy stated that he expressed discomfort and asked the man to stop, but the contact continued.
Witnesses described the man as a Hispanic male in his 40s with tattoos, wearing a blue shirt and blue shorts. Surveillance footage from the pool reportedly supported the timeline and behavior described by the juveniles, showing the man following the girl around the pool and an instance where she appeared to back away and later be thrown into the water.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Deputies attempted to locate the suspect on the same day as the incident but were unable to do so. However, on Monday, July 29, community members reported that the man had returned to the pool. Authorities responded and arrested Miller at that time.
During a voluntary interview with investigators, Miller reportedly denied having any clear memory of inappropriate contact, stating that if anything occurred, it was unintentional. Despite this, prosecutors moved forward with charges based on witness accounts, victim interviews, and security footage.
Miller appeared in court for an initial hearing on Thursday, August 1, where a judge set bail at $20,000 with conditions. As part of those conditions, Miller is not permitted to have unsupervised contact with minors or return to the location of the alleged incident. If convicted on both counts, Miller could face up to 10 years of imprisonment per charge, along with potential registration as a predatory offender.
Community and School Response
The incident has raised concern in the Hugo community, especially among families who frequent local recreational facilities. The case is a reminder of the importance of vigilance in public spaces and underscores the role of bystanders in reporting suspicious behavior.
Local authorities have praised those who came forward quickly, allowing law enforcement to intervene and begin an investigation. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has asked anyone with additional information related to this case or other potential incidents to contact their office directly.
Due Process Reminder
As of now, Jeremy John Miller remains legally innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The criminal justice system will determine the outcome of this case based on the evidence and legal proceedings ahead.
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