This story comes to you from Sahan Journal through a partnership with MPR News.

A former Twin Cities basketball coach and teacher was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday for sexually assaulting a dozen children.

Aaron Hjermstad, 46, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in September. As part of a plea deal, he agreed to serve a life sentence in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

“I was a victim and I didn’t even know or understand what I was a victim of,” one of Hjermstad’s victims wrote in an impact statement that was read aloud in court by an advocate. None of the victims in the case was present at the hearing.

During his sentencing hearing, Hjermstad, wearing an orange jumpsuit and black glasses, read from a written statement and apol

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