SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – A health care provider in Hartford who parents trusted with their children admits to having sexual contact with a young patient.
Former chiropractor and coach, 32-year-old Joel Martens, appeared at the Minnehaha County Courthouse Wednesday to plead guilty to 12 counts of sexual contact with a minor by a person in authority.
As part of a plea deal, two rape charges were dropped.
KELOLAND News first told you about Martens in July 2023, when he was arrested for allegedly having sexual contact with a 16-year-old in 2021 at Lemke’s Fitness and Training in Hartford.
According to court documents, that’s where he first used his hands to penetrate her during her workout. The two later had sex at the ChiroSport clinic in Hartford. Court documents say it happened more than 100 times during appointments and twice at Martens’ home.
In court, the prosecutor said thousands of messages between the two and photos were found on Martens’ phone.
During the hearing, the prosecutor said there could be more victims because private areas of Martens’ phone were never explored. She also called him a flight risk and asked the judge to keep him in jail until sentencing.
The judge denied that request, saying he’s followed his orders and is involved in the community.
His sentencing date is November 18 at the Minnehaha County Court House. He could face more than a decade in prison.
