As the healing for a church and a small town continues, a Balaton man who in May pleaded guilty in Lyon County District Court to four felony counts of criminal sexual conduct against four minors while serving as a youth group leader at a Balaton church was sentenced Tuesday to 120 days in jail and seven years probation.
Ethan Nelson, 36, had pleaded guilty to three counts of 4th degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct — charges that stemmed from him having sexual contact with minors from 2014-2018.
As part of his plea deal, Nelson was charged with one gross misdemeanor; the other counts received a stayed guideline sentence. Nelson must refrain from any coaching or school leadership responsibilities during the probation period.
