Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls woman is facing a first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge involving a child. Denise Jeanette Wallace, 41, is charged in Pennington County District Court. Prosecutors say the abuse happened between January 2021 and January 2022. The complaint states the child was under 13, and Wallace was more than three years older.
The case began after four children were removed from Wallace’s home in 2022. Social services took action after reports of ongoing abuse. The children were later interviewed at the Family Advocacy Center of Northern Minnesota. Forensic nurses and trained interviewers heard similar stories from more than one child.
According to the complaint, the children described sexual and physical abuse. They also reported threats when they tried to resist. Investigators say the children’s stories were consistent across interviews. The children were not named because they are minors.
A guardian later contacted social services in 2023. The guardian said one child revealed more serious sexual assaults involving Wallace and a male partner. This led to a second forensic interview. The child then described repeated abuse over time.
In September 2025, the adoptive parent of several children contacted police again. The parent said the children shared new details of abuse. They also expressed fear because Wallace now lives near their home. The parent said the children fear for a new baby in the household.
Court records list Wallace’s prior convictions. They include assault and domestic cases. These convictions are not part of the new charge. First-degree criminal sexual conduct carries up to 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.
Wallace will appear in Pennington County District Court. A judge will set release conditions. More charges could be filed as investigators review the case.
For Minnesota’s first-degree CSC statute, visit: Minn. Stat. 609.342
Information on child advocacy centers can be found at the National Children’s Alliance: nationalchildrensalliance.org
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
