Former coach pleads guilty

A former Barnum girls basketball coach pleaded guilty Friday to having sex with a player.

Andrew Palmer, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Two other third-degree counts will be dismissed as part of the plea deal.

Carlton County Attorney Lauri Ketola said Palmer “provided a factual basis that he had intercourse with the victim,” adding that there was no agreement on sentencing.

According to the criminal complaint, a 17-year-old Barnum student’s parents contacted local law enforcement in January, regarding the possible criminal sexual assault of their daughter by her basketball coach, identified as Palmer.

The girl was interviewed at First Witness Child Advocacy Center. The girl said he had vaginal sex with her and that it felt “not OK” and hurt, but that she felt pressure to have sex with him because he was her coach and she didn’t feel like she could say no.

A sentencing hearing is set for Dec. 16.