NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 13, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Wade Backstrom
218-726-2323 or backstromw@stlouiscountymn.gov
Virginia jury convicts Benjamen Robert Johnson
for sexual assault of two children
Court File # 69VI-CR-24-1351
On November 12, 2025, a jury found Benjamen Robert Johnson, 38, guilty of the sexual assaults of two young children. The jury returned guilty verdicts on each of the three counts against Mr. Johnson: One count of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree and two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree. These charges stem from assaults that were committed between November of 2013 and December of 2018. Law enforcement first became aware of the assaults after one of the victims came forward to a trusted adult relative in February of 2024. The Honorable Judge Andrew Peterson presided over the trial.
“Child sexual assault is among the most devastating crimes our community can face. There is no greater betrayal of trust. We are grateful to the jury for their careful attention and decision holding Mr. Johnson accountable,” said County Attorney Maki. “Most importantly, we commend the young victims for the extraordinary courage they showed in coming forward and sharing their truth with the jury. Their strength made this outcome possible,” continued Maki.
The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Virginia Police Department and the St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Department, whose diligent work and cooperation led to the successful result in this matter.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant County Attorney Amber Pederson.
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