HIBBING — A Minnesota State Patrol trooper has been charged with criminal sexual conduct after authorities say he touched two women inappropriately at his northern Minnesota home.

Forty-four-year-old Todd Lindstrom of Hibbing has been placed on paid leave. Minnesota State Patrol chief Col. Matt Langer said in a statement that the charges are “disturbing and very serious.”

A criminal complaint says the two women had been invited to a party at Lindstrom’s home in July after car races in Hibbing. The complaint says Lindstrom approached one woman as she was leaving the party and the other while she was in a tent.

Lindstrom is set make a court appearance later this month. It wasn’t immediately clear if he has an attorney.