Jennifer Mayerle, senior investigative reporter at WCCO-TV, was invited to speak at the April 15 meeting of the Prior Lake Rotary Club about “grooming.”
Last October, the local television station began an investigative series outlining how young people can be lured into situations by adults they trust, which could lead to them eventually becoming a victim of sexual assault. In a multipart series, Mayerle relayed the experiences of Hannah LoPresto, a victim-survivor who graduated from Eagan High School and said she had been groomed and assaulted years earlier by a teacher.
LoPresto’s story resonated with Peggy Bennett, another survivor of grooming, who now represents District 23A in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Bennett also spoke at the Prior Lake meeting, relaying that she endured similar circumstances as a young woman 50 years ago. She invited LoPresto, now in her mid-20s, to testify before a legislative committee about her experience.
Bennett said major gaps in state law need to be changed so adults who engage in grooming of young people are held accountable. The proposed bill would make sexual grooming a stand-alone offense and classified as a felony. Other stipulations could include training for mandatory reporters and reviewing current teacher license revocation standards.
Bennett posted earlier this week the proposal has gone through five House committees, and the bill could go to the House floor for a vote as soon as next week. Wisconsin legislators are also considering passage of a similar law.
Mayerle said she conducted an extensive study on the patterns of grooming, which usually involves an adult taking concentrated interest in a young person through excessive phone calls, emails, text messages or sending of small gifts. Secrecy is typically requested. Their gestures are intended to build trust with the child over time, so the victim may not realize there is anything harmful in the relationship.
“Parents should pay attention to who is paying attention to their kids,” Mayerle said. LoPresto said the grooming was worse than the assault.
“It’s a fine line, and when it goes too far, it’s rare for a young person to disclose what is happening. It’s important that they have the awareness and speak up if anyone is making them feel uncomfortable.”
Mayerle said many viewers have reached out since her series on grooming began and shared similar experiences. She credits LoPresto for having the courage to tell her story after being contacted by a Detective Chad Clausen with the Eagan Police Department, who was investigating other allegations of grooming by the teacher which allegedly went on for more than a decade.
“It’s incredible the reach this story has had,” Mayerle said. “If not for Hannah, we wouldn’t have had a story to tell. She wanted to protect other students.”
