NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 14, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Chelsie Hollencamp
218-726-2323 or hollencampc@stlouiscountymn.gov
Tarius Keeshawn Lovejoy Sentenced for Multiple Sexual Assault Convictions
Court File Number 09-CR-26-113; 69DU-CR-24-368
Today, before the Honorable Judge Rebekka Stumme, Tarius Lovejoy, 25, was sentenced to 48 months for a sexual assault that occurred in Carlton County and 76 months for a separate but related sexual assault that occurred in St. Louis County, announced St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki. Mr. Lovejoy was convicted of separate counts of Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in each jurisdiction but was sentenced for both convictions in the same hearing. As a result of his convictions, Mr. Lovejoy was also sentenced to lifetime conditional release and will be required to register as a predatory offender for life. Mr. Lovejoy pleaded guilty to both charges on March 2, 2026. In pronouncing the sentences, Judge Stumme denied Mr. Lovejoy’s request for a probationary sentence and instead sentenced him to the presumptive sentence under Minnesota law.
“Tarius Lovejoy’s conduct caused serious harm and violated the fundamental right of the victims to be safe from sexual violence. These sentences hold him accountable across county lines,” said County Attorney Maki. “We are grateful to the survivors for the courage they showed participating in this process, and to our partners in the Duluth Police Department, Cloquet Police Department and the Carlton County Attorney’s Office for their dedication to this case.”
The St. Louis County case was prosecuted by Assistant St. Louis County Attorney Victoria Wanta.
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
First Witness Child Advocacy Center: firstwitness.org; 218-727-8353
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