NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 26, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Wade Backstrom
218-726-2323 or backstromw@stlouiscountymn.gov
Jury Convicts Wesala of Criminal Sexual Conduct
Court File # 69HI-CR-19-722
On November 26, 2025, a jury found Michael Alvin Wesala, 43, guilty of two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree, announced St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki. During trial, it was proven that Mr. Wesala sexually touched a 14-year-old minor child on multiple occasions in his Buhl home between September 2016 and January of 2017. The verdict was delivered following a jury trial before the Honorable Bhupesh Pattni.
The sexual assaults were first reported to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office by the victim’s mother, but the investigation was conducted by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office because the offenses occurred in Buhl. Charges were filed by the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office on September 6, 2019, with Mr. Wesala making his first appearance shortly thereafter. Despite repeated delays, the victim persevered and testified at trial.
“The sexual assault of a child, especially by someone they knew and trusted, is a devastating betrayal,” said County Attorney Maki. “This case shows the worst kind of exploitation, but it also showcases the best of what can happen when adults and agencies believe a child and then work together to hold the offender responsible. Most importantly, it highlights the remarkable strength of a young victim, whose courage allowed us to pursue justice.”
The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office thanks the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office for their thorough investigation of this matter.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant County Attorney Tyler Kenefick.
Sentencing is set for January 15, 2026 at 11:00 am.
For help please contact:
Domestic Abuse Intervention Project: theduluthmodel.org; 218-722-2781
American Indian Community Housing Organization: aicho.org; 218-722-2247
Safe Haven: safehavenshelter.org; 218-728-6481
Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault: pavsa.org; 218-726-1931
Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse: casda.org; 715-392-3136
Advocates For Family Peace: www.affp.org; 218-248-5512
Sexual Assault Program of Northern St. Louis County: stopsexualviolence.org; 218-749-7227
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