A Virginia man will spend 15 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting two young children he knew, bringing a long-running abuse case to a close. Jurors convicted 38-year-old Benjamen Robert Johnson on one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct for incidents that prosecutors say occurred between November 2013 and December 2018. The verdict capped a multi-year investigation that began after one of the children disclosed the abuse in early 2024.
According to court documents reported by WDIO, the judge sentenced Johnson to 15 years on one count, to be served concurrently with two other sentences, and credited him with 533 days already served. Investigators were first alerted when a victim confided in a trusted family member in February 2024, which triggered an investigation by the Virginia Police Department and the St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Department. Assistant County Attorney Amber Pederson prosecuted the case, according to the station’s reporting.
Case Details and Prosecution
The Duluth News Tribune reports that the victims were girls between the ages of 3 and 6 who were known to Johnson. Jurors returned guilty verdicts after hearing testimony and reviewing evidence presented at trial. The outlet also notes that Johnson has prior convictions for domestic assault and disorderly conduct, and that he had been held in county custody while the case moved through the courts.
St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki praised both the young victims and the jurors, calling child sexual assault “among the most devastating crimes our community can face” and describing the verdict as an important reinforcement of community trust, according to WDIO. Prosecutors said the children showed significant courage in coming forward and sharing their accounts in open court. Assistant County Attorney Amber Pederson led the prosecution, according to court records and local reports.
What the Law Says
Under Minnesota law, first-degree criminal sexual conduct can carry a statutory maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $40,000. Second-degree criminal sexual conduct also carries serious penalties, with specific elements and ranges spelled out in state law. The Minnesota Revisor’s Office details the elements and penalties for first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Minn. Stat. § 609.342, available through the Minnesota Revisor’s Office, and for second-degree criminal sexual conduct in Minn. Stat. § 609.343, available through the Minnesota Revisor’s Office. Those statutes, along with Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines, are used to calculate executed prison terms in cases involving child victims.
Sentence, Custody and Next Steps
Local reporting indicates Johnson will receive credit for time already served, with one outlet putting that figure at roughly 17 months in custody. The Duluth News Tribune reports that he had been held at the Northeast Regional Corrections Center in Saginaw while the case moved toward sentencing. Officials say the final length of Johnson’s time behind bars will ultimately depend on the court’s calculation of his executed term, how the concurrent sentences are structured, and post-release conditions that can include registration as a sex offender under Minnesota law.
Support for Victims
Advocates are urging anyone affected by sexual abuse to seek help. First Witness Child Advocacy Center in Duluth offers child-focused forensic interviews, family advocacy and related services for the region, while the national RAINN hotline provides 24/7 confidential support at 1-800-656-4673. Those in immediate danger are advised to call 911, and local victim-services organizations can help connect survivors and families with counseling, legal advocacy and other resources. First Witness and additional regional services are listed by local reporters and county agencies for those seeking support.
