Beltrami County: Humiston Guilty of 6 Child Sex Crimes

BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Beltrami County jury has convicted Thomas Humiston of six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving children.

The jury returned its unanimous verdict Monday, October 26, 2026, following a six-day trial.

Jurors deliberated for approximately two hours before reaching their decision.

The case involved years of sexual abuse and an investigation spanning Minnesota, California, and Nevada.

Jury Finds Humiston Guilty on Six Counts

Beltrami County Attorney David L. Hanson announced the verdict following the trial.

According to prosecutors, the case involved repeated sexual abuse of children dating back to 2019.

Investigators reported that the victims included children as young as 8 years old.

The six guilty verdicts were returned after jurors heard testimony and reviewed evidence presented during the trial.

Judge Jeanine Brand presided over the proceedings.

Following the verdict, the judge ordered Humiston into custody while awaiting sentencing.

Investigation Began After Child’s Medical Test

The criminal investigation began in 2024 after a child tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection.

Investigators with the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office began examining allegations of sexual abuse.

As the investigation continued, authorities learned that the reported abuse stretched back several years.

They also discovered information indicating that related offenses had occurred outside Minnesota.

Investigators worked to gather evidence from multiple states and identify the full scope of the abuse.

Agencies Across Three States Worked Together

The case required cooperation between law enforcement agencies in Minnesota, California, and Nevada.

Beltrami County investigators worked with the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office in California and Douglas County authorities in Nevada.

The FBI in northeastern California also assisted.

Federal prosecutors from the Eastern District of California were involved in the broader investigation.

Authorities said the cooperation helped investigators pursue evidence across state lines.

Beltrami County: Humiston Guilty of 6 Child Sex Crimes

Humiston Arrested in Nevada in 2025

The Beltrami County Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges in January 2025.

Authorities also requested a nationwide arrest warrant.

Humiston was arrested in Douglas County, Nevada, in early 2025.

He was later extradited to Minnesota to face prosecution.

The case continued through court proceedings before reaching trial in October 2026.

Sentencing Scheduled for December 29

Humiston is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on December 29, 2026.

The jury’s verdict establishes his guilt on six criminal sexual conduct counts.

However, the court has not yet imposed a sentence.

First-degree criminal sexual conduct is a serious felony under Minnesota Statute 609.342.

The sentence will depend on applicable law and the court’s findings.

Prosecutor Praises Victims and Investigators

County Attorney Hanson praised the victims for their courage during the trial.

He acknowledged the difficulty of speaking publicly about the abuse they experienced.

Hanson also thanked law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who helped bring the case to trial.

Further court information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Additional details about the verdict were reported by Lakeland News and FOX 9.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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