17 October 2023
HIBBING A rural St. Louis County man is accused of sexually assaulting a young child on numerous occasions.
Richard Peter Johnson, 72, has been summoned to appear in State District Court to face two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Johnson resides in Cedar Valley Township, roughly halfway between Floodwood and Hibbing.
A criminal complaint says the complaint was first made to the Hibbing Police Department on July 8 and then referred to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.
The child, who was known to Johnson, reported in a forensic interview that he had routinely abused her over the course of approximately six months. The complaint says the abuse included inappropriate touching and forced intercourse and oral sex.
While Johnson does not appear to have any criminal history, a conviction on either charge carries a presumptive 12 years in prison. He remains out of custody and has been ordered to make an initial court appearance Nov. 20.
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