As of August 1, 2026, grooming a minor is a felony offense in Minnesota.
The new law targets conduct intended to develop a false relationship of trust with a child for the purpose of eventually engaging in sexual conduct. Importantly, a person can potentially face a grooming charge even when no sexual contact ever occurs.
That makes the details of the alleged relationship, including text messages, social media conversations, online communications, and other interactions, particularly important in these cases.
For someone accused of grooming a minor in Minnesota, understanding exactly what the new law prohibits is an important starting point.
What Is Grooming a Minor Under Minnesota Law?
Minnesota’s new law applies to a person who is at least 18 years old and does two things.
First, the person must express a desire or intent to engage in sexual conduct with a child.
Second, the person must engage in a deliberate pattern of conduct designed to methodically develop a false trusting relationship with the child. That relationship must be intended to strategically manipulate the child into engaging in sexual conduct with the person at a later time.
The new felony offense is codified under Minnesota Statutes § 609.352, subdivision 2c. For purposes of this specific subdivision, a “child” is defined as a person 15 years of age or younger, and a “pattern” requires two or more instances of conduct. A conviction carries statutory penalties of up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
Both parts matter. The law does not simply make it a crime for an adult to communicate with a minor or develop a relationship with one. The prosecution must prove the intent and pattern of conduct required by the statute.
Does Sexual Contact Have to Occur for Grooming to Be Charged?
No. This is one of the most significant features of Minnesota’s new grooming law.
The statute specifically applies regardless of whether sexual conduct ultimately occurs.
As a result, a grooming investigation can focus on what allegedly happened before any sexual encounter. Prosecutors may examine communications and interactions in an attempt to establish that an adult was deliberately building trust with a child for a future sexual purpose.
That can make questions of context and intent central to the case.
A single message viewed on its own may look very different when considered alongside weeks or months of conversation. At the same time, prosecutors cannot simply assume criminal intent because an adult communicates with a minor. They still must prove the elements of the charged offense.
What Evidence Could Be Used in a Minnesota Grooming Case?
Because the offense focuses heavily on an alleged pattern of behavior and the person’s intent, digital evidence may play a major role in many grooming investigations.
That could include:
- Text messages
- Social media direct messages
- Emails
- Photos and videos
- Online gaming communications
- Messaging apps
- Call records
- Other electronic communications between the parties
Investigators may also consider in-person interactions and testimony from the child, family members, teachers, friends, or other people familiar with the relationship.
The existence of communications is not necessarily the same thing as proof of grooming. The content, timing, context, and circumstances surrounding those communications may all be important when determining whether the conduct actually meets Minnesota’s statutory definition.
Why Does the “Pattern of Conduct” Requirement Matter?
Minnesota’s definition specifically requires a deliberate pattern of conduct intended to develop a false trusting relationship.
That language is significant.
The statute is aimed at a process of manipulation, not merely an isolated interaction between an adult and a minor. In a criminal case, prosecutors may therefore attempt to assemble multiple communications or events to demonstrate how they believe the alleged relationship developed.
The defense may have a very different interpretation of those same interactions.
Questions may arise about whether there was actually a pattern, whether the relationship was “false,” whether particular statements have been taken out of context, and whether the evidence proves the required sexual intent.
Those are fact-specific issues that can make the complete record especially important.
What Are the Penalties for Grooming a Minor in Minnesota?
Grooming a minor is now a felony offense in Minnesota.
That distinction alone makes an allegation serious. A felony conviction can carry criminal penalties and consequences that extend beyond the immediate court case.
The precise consequences in any case depend on the charge, facts, criminal history, sentencing rules, and whether prosecutors allege additional offenses or aggravating factors.
A grooming investigation could also overlap with allegations involving other Minnesota sex crimes depending on what allegedly occurred. Someone facing an investigation should therefore avoid assuming that the grooming allegation will necessarily be the only potential charge.
What If the Allegation Started with Text Messages or Social Media?
Digital conversations are likely to be particularly important under the new law because prosecutors may use them to try to establish both a pattern of conduct and the accused person’s intent.
But digital evidence also raises its own questions.
Who controlled an account? Is the conversation complete? Have messages been deleted? Are screenshots missing surrounding context? Can investigators reliably attribute particular communications to the accused person?
Those questions can matter when evaluating electronic evidence.
Someone who learns they are being investigated should also be very careful about deleting messages, accounts, photographs, or other potential evidence. Trying to “clean up” a phone or social media account can create additional problems and may eliminate information that would have helped explain the context of the allegations.
What Should You Do If You Are Accused of Grooming a Minor in Minnesota?
An accusation involving a child can have immediate personal and reputational consequences, even before criminal charges are filed.
It can also be tempting to contact the child, the child’s parents, or investigators to explain what happened. Doing so without understanding the status of the investigation can make the situation even more problematic.
If law enforcement contacts you about a grooming allegation, you have constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to consult an attorney.
Getting legal advice early can also allow a defense attorney to evaluate communications and other evidence before decisions are made that could affect the case.
Enhanced Penalties for Authority Figures and School Employees
The 2026 legislative updates also added heightened penalties when grooming conduct involves specific relationships:
- Positions of Authority: Enhanced felony provisions apply if the accused is in a position of authority over a victim under 18 and is more than 36 months older than the victim.
- School Personnel: Specific restrictions apply to employees or contractors of elementary, middle, or secondary schools involving enrolled students.
Additionally, Minnesota law now mandates that law enforcement notify teacher licensing boards if an educator is charged with a grooming offense.
Minnesota’s Grooming Law Is New
Because Minnesota’s grooming offense took effect August 1, 2026, courts will only now begin addressing how some of the statute’s language applies to actual cases.
Terms involving a “deliberate pattern,” a “false trusting relationship,” and an intent to “strategically manipulate” a child are likely to make the specific facts and evidence especially important.
One thing remains unchanged: an accusation is not a conviction. Prosecutors must prove every required element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you are being investigated or have been charged with grooming a minor or another sex offense in Minnesota, the criminal defense attorneys at Sieben Edmunds Miller can review the allegations, examine the evidence, and explain your options. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grooming a Minor in Minnesota
Is grooming a minor a crime in Minnesota?
Yes. As of August 1, 2026, Minnesota makes grooming a minor a felony offense when the conduct meets the requirements established by the new law.
What does Minnesota consider grooming?
The law applies when an adult expresses a desire or intent to engage in sexual conduct with a child and deliberately develops a false trusting relationship intended to strategically manipulate the child into future sexual conduct.
Can someone be charged with grooming if no sexual contact happened?
Yes. Minnesota’s statute specifically provides that grooming can occur regardless of whether sexual conduct ultimately takes place.
Can text messages be used as evidence of grooming?
Yes. Text messages, social media conversations, emails, and other electronic communications may be relevant evidence. Their content and context may be important in determining whether the statutory requirements are met.
Is one inappropriate message enough for a Minnesota grooming charge?
The statute requires a deliberate pattern of conduct intended to methodically develop a false trusting relationship, along with the required sexual intent. Whether particular communications satisfy those requirements depends on the evidence and circumstances of the case.
What should I do if police want to question me about grooming allegations?
You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. Because statements made during an investigation can later be used as evidence, consult with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions about the allegations.
When did Minnesota’s grooming law take effect?
Minnesota’s new felony grooming offense took effect on August 1, 2026.
