Today, after a four-day bench trial, Chief Judge Leslie Beiers found Shawn Francis Mortensen, 46, guilty of four counts of criminal sexual conduct against a minor, announced St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki. Mr. Mortensen was convicted of two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 1st Degree – Sexual Contact with Another Person Under 13 Years of Age, a third count of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 1^st Degree – Victim Under 16/Significant Relationship/Multiple Acts over Extended Period of Time, and a fourth count of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 5^th Degree – Sexual Contact With Another Person Under the Age of 16 Years. The offenses were committed against a minor female between February 2012 and October 2015.

 

The case against Mr. Mortensen was first filed in 2015, later dismissed, and refiled in 2018. After several delays over the ensuing years, the trial began last week. Though the path to justice was long and winding, it ultimately resulted in Mr. Mortensen’s conviction on these serious charges.

 

“We are grateful that the victim remained committed to achieving justice in this case, despite the twists and turns of the legal process,” said County Attorney Maki. “Contrary to the popular saying, justice delayed is not justice denied, and we are committed to seeking justice for victims of crime to the full extent of the law.”

 

The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office thanks the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Department for their thorough investigation of this case and First Witness Child Advocacy Center for its expertise in forensic interviewing.

 

Sentencing is scheduled for July 7, 2026.

 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant County Attorneys Angela Wilson and Kirstyn Oye.

 

For help please contact:

Domestic Abuse Intervention Project: theduluthmodel.org; 218-722-2781

American Indian Community Housing Organization: aicho.org; 218-722-2247