Moorhead (trfnews.i234.me) – A Moorhead man faces seven felony charges in a child sexual abuse investigation involving allegations dating back to 2018.
Mitchell Albert Spitzmiller, 40, is accused of helping arrange sexual abuse involving a child younger than 13.
Investigators also believe Spitzmiller impersonated a woman previously charged in the case.
According to Valley News Live, prosecutors filed an amended criminal complaint on November 10, 2026.
A judge found probable cause for the charges on November 11.
Seven Felony Charges Filed in Clay County
Spitzmiller faces one count of aiding and abetting first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a child under 13.
The alleged offense occurred around March 7, 2018.
Prosecutors also filed two felony counts of distributing child sexual abuse material.
Those alleged offenses occurred on April 23 and June 28, 2026.
Four additional felony counts involve possession of child sexual abuse material on July 23.
The first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.
Each distribution charge carries up to 15 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Each possession charge carries up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Investigators Suspect Defendant Used Woman’s Identity
The investigation includes a June 28 email sent to the Clay County Attorney’s Office.
According to the complaint, the message appeared to come from Kimberly Christy, who was previously charged.
The email included a link to child sexual abuse material and a statement about accepting responsibility.
Investigators now suspect Spitzmiller sent the message while pretending to be Christy.
The complaint alleges he was angry because Christy had begun seeing someone else.
Detectives interviewed several people who believed Spitzmiller wanted to make Christy appear responsible.
Witnesses also described concerns about his alleged control over Christy’s finances and electronic accounts.
Police Report Evidence Found on Two Phones
Police seized two phones belonging to Spitzmiller during his July 23 arrest.
According to investigators, both devices contained images matching material previously sent to others.
A video reportedly recorded in March 2018 also became part of the investigation.
Detectives allege the recording captured Spitzmiller and Christy discussing plans to isolate the child.
Investigators also traced links sent during April to individuals connected with Christy.
One recipient in Alexandria reportedly contacted law enforcement on April 23.
Woman Describes Alleged Pressure
Kimberly Christy faces separate charges connected to the investigation.
During a July 2 interview, Christy reportedly acknowledged committing and recording the alleged 2018 abuse.
She initially claimed responsibility for the idea behind the incident.
However, investigators say she later alleged Spitzmiller arranged the situation and repeatedly pressured her.
Those claims remain allegations addressed through the court process.
Prosecutors Seek Longer Sentence
Prosecutors are seeking a sentence above Minnesota’s standard sentencing guidelines if Spitzmiller is convicted.
The requested increase cites several factors, including the child’s age and an alleged position of trust.
Relevant laws include Minnesota’s first-degree criminal sexual conduct statute.
Additional charges involve Minnesota’s child sexual abuse material law.
Spitzmiller Held in Clay County Jail
The Clay County jail roster lists Spitzmiller in custody following a November 12 booking.
A hearing was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2026.
The available report does not confirm the hearing’s outcome.
The complaint also identifies an active warrant in a separate second-degree assault case.
That warrant reportedly involves a failure to appear in court.
Readers can check the Clay County jail roster for custody information.
Additional case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
All current charges remain allegations. Spitzmiller is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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