BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A 22-year-old Bemidji man faces two felony criminal sexual conduct charges involving a child under 13.
Jestin Ray Lord was charged in Beltrami County District Court following an investigation into alleged abuse dating back to December 2018.
The investigation resumed in 2026 after a child’s therapist reported allegations to Beltrami County Social Services.
Two Serious Felony Charges Filed
According to the criminal complaint, Lord faces first-degree and second-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.
The first-degree charge alleges prohibited sexual conduct involving a child under 13.
The second-degree charge alleges sexual contact with a child under 13.
Prosecutors allege Lord was more than 36 months older than the child when the alleged incident occurred.
The complaint identifies December 1 through December 31, 2018, as the alleged offense period.
A first-degree conviction carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison or a $40,000 fine, or both.
A second-degree conviction carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison or a $35,000 fine, or both.
Therapist’s Report Leads to New Investigation
The investigation began after Beltrami County Social Services received a report from the child’s therapist on March 26, 2026.
The therapist reported that the child had disclosed an alleged sexual assault.
Bemidji police reviewed the allegations and discovered an earlier report dated May 6, 2019.
That report involved the same allegation, but the reporting parties did not wish to pursue criminal charges at that time.
Investigators later contacted the child’s parent, who confirmed the child wanted to provide a statement.
On April 16, 2026, the child participated in an interview at the Family Advocacy Center of Northern Minnesota.
According to court documents, the child described alleged abuse at a Beltrami County residence while younger than 10.
Detectives Interview Several People
Between late May and July, investigators interviewed several people familiar with the allegations.
Some witnesses said they had not personally observed misconduct.
Instead, they said their information came from the child or other individuals.
Suspect Denies Allegations During Interview
Two Bemidji detectives visited Lord’s residence on August 6, 2026.
Investigators informed Lord he was not under arrest and was not required to answer questions.
Lord agreed to speak with detectives.
According to the complaint, Lord strongly denied committing the alleged acts.
He told investigators he could not remember every detail because several years had passed.
Lord also described an occasion when the child climbed on him while they were playing.
He said the interaction made him uncomfortable and denied any inappropriate touching.
Case Filed After Lord Became an Adult
Lord was a minor when the alleged incident occurred in 2018.
However, prosecutors filed the case after his 21st birthday and before the applicable legal deadline, according to the complaint.
The criminal history section also lists a separate misdemeanor indecent exposure conviction from December 2025.
That conviction is separate from the current felony allegations.
Case Moves Through Beltrami County Court
The charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
Lord is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Information about Minnesota’s criminal sexual conduct laws is available under Minnesota Statute 609.342 and Minnesota Statute 609.343.
Readers can search public case information through Minnesota Court Records Online.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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