Mahnomen Man Faces 3 Felony Sex Crime Charges
Mahnomen (trfnews.i234.me) — Elijiah Andrew Goodwin faces three felony criminal sexual conduct charges in Mahnomen County District Court.
Prosecutors allege Goodwin sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2024.
Two counts charge first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
A third count charges third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The first-degree counts each carry up to 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.
Teen Reports Alleged Assault
Police first became involved on August 4, 2024, after responding to a report involving the teenager.
The girl was taken to Mahnomen Health Center for medical care.
Later that evening, she told investigators she wanted to report a sexual assault.
The girl identified Goodwin, who she knew by the nickname “Ferb,” as the alleged offender.
She told investigators Goodwin had engaged in unwanted sexual conduct with her several times.
The complaint says some incidents happened while the girl had been drinking heavily.
She alleged Goodwin assaulted her while she was too impaired to give meaningful consent.
The girl also alleged Goodwin used force or coercion during another encounter.
She told investigators she feared retaliation if she reported what happened.
Forensic Interview Reviewed
A forensic interview was conducted in December 2024 and later reviewed by investigators.
During that interview, the girl described repeated unwanted sexual conduct involving Goodwin.
She said she had been drinking heavily during that period and struggled to remember some events.
The girl also alleged Goodwin threatened to hurt her if she disclosed what happened.
Investigators later received screenshots of Snapchat messages involving Goodwin and the teenager.
The complaint says some messages contained sexual references between Goodwin and the girl.
Authorities used those messages as part of the investigation described in the complaint.
The filing states the girl was 14 during the alleged conduct.
Goodwin was 25 and turned 26 in September 2024, according to the complaint.
Three Felony Charges Filed
Prosecutors filed two first-degree criminal sexual conduct counts under Minnesota Statute 609.342.
One count alleges coercion caused personal injury during sexual penetration.
The other alleges Goodwin knew the complainant was impaired, incapacitated, or helpless.
Goodwin also faces third-degree criminal sexual conduct under Minnesota Statute 609.344.
That charge involves a 14- or 15-year-old and an actor more than 24 months older.
The third-degree charge carries up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.
The complaint contains conflicting dates in its charge sections.
Its probable-cause narrative places the alleged conduct during the summer of 2024.
The case is State of Minnesota v. Elijiah Andrew Goodwin.
The court file number is 44-CR-26-456.
Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish Goodwin’s guilt.
Goodwin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.