BROOKS, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—A Brooks, Minnesota man was sentenced to a suspended 30-month prison term and placed on supervised probation for five years after a violent attack on a child that was captured on video.
Case Overview
Date of Incident: July 6, 2024
Location: Brooks, MN
Investigating Agency: Local Law Enforcement
The Crime
- Joseph Cole Wulfson, 34, was initially charged with felony child torture after assaulting a 12-year-old child, striking them approximately 25 times over two and a half minutes.
- The attack was captured on video footage that showed Wulfson headbutting, hitting, and shoving the child.
- The child was knocked down three times during the attack, while Wulfson repeatedly called them names and told them to “get mad.”
- The child’s sibling later reported the attack to law enforcement, stating it was punishment for placing knives too close to the counter’s edge and lying about it.
Legal Proceedings & Sentencing
Court: District Court
Judge: Sentence based on plea agreement
Prosecutors: Negotiated lesser charge due to plea deal
Sentencing for Joseph Cole Wulfson:
Originally Charged With:
- Felony Child Torture (dismissed in plea deal) Pleaded Guilty to:
- Felony Malicious Punishment of a Child Sentenced To:
- 30-month stayed prison sentence (meaning he will serve time only if he violates probation)
- 219 days of time served credited
- Five years of supervised probation starting Feb. 19, 2025 Additional Requirements:
- Complete a domestic abuse assessment
- Undergo a chemical dependency evaluation
- Follow all court-ordered rehabilitation recommendations
Aggravating Factors in the Case
The court found multiple aggravating factors that worsened the severity of Wulfson’s actions:
Particular cruelty toward the victim The victim was vulnerable due to their young age Another child witnessed the attack
Despite these factors, Wulfson avoided a long-term prison sentence and instead will remain under strict probationary conditions.
Final Thoughts
While many will find the leniency of the sentence controversial, the court determined that rehabilitative measures were appropriate under Minnesota’s sentencing guidelines. However, any violation of probation could send Wulfson to prison for the full 30 months.
Stay tuned for updates on any future probation violations or legal actions in this case.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me