Prosecutors allege Goodwin sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2024.<\/p>\n
Two counts charge first-degree criminal sexual conduct.<\/p>\n
A third count charges third-degree criminal sexual conduct.<\/p>\n
The first-degree counts each carry up to 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.<\/p>\n
Teen Reports Alleged Assault<\/h2>\n
Police first became involved on August 4, 2024, after responding to a report involving the teenager.<\/p>\n
The girl was taken to Mahnomen Health Center for medical care.<\/p>\n
Later that evening, she told investigators she wanted to report a sexual assault.<\/p>\n
The girl identified Goodwin, who she knew by the nickname “Ferb,” as the alleged offender.<\/p>\n
She told investigators Goodwin had engaged in unwanted sexual conduct with her several times.<\/p>\n
The complaint says some incidents happened while the girl had been drinking heavily.<\/p>\n
She alleged Goodwin assaulted her while she was too impaired to give meaningful consent.<\/p>\n
The girl also alleged Goodwin used force or coercion during another encounter.<\/p>\n
She told investigators she feared retaliation if she reported what happened.<\/p>\n A forensic interview was conducted in December 2024 and later reviewed by investigators.<\/p>\n During that interview, the girl described repeated unwanted sexual conduct involving Goodwin.<\/p>\n She said she had been drinking heavily during that period and struggled to remember some events.<\/p>\n The girl also alleged Goodwin threatened to hurt her if she disclosed what happened.<\/p>\n Investigators later received screenshots of Snapchat messages involving Goodwin and the teenager.<\/p>\n The complaint says some messages contained sexual references between Goodwin and the girl.<\/p>\n Authorities used those messages as part of the investigation described in the complaint.<\/p>\n The filing states the girl was 14 during the alleged conduct.<\/p>\n Goodwin was 25 and turned 26 in September 2024, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n Prosecutors filed two first-degree criminal sexual conduct counts under Minnesota Statute 609.342<\/a>.<\/p>\n One count alleges coercion caused personal injury during sexual penetration.<\/p>\n The other alleges Goodwin knew the complainant was impaired, incapacitated, or helpless.<\/p>\n Goodwin also faces third-degree criminal sexual conduct under Minnesota Statute 609.344<\/a>.<\/p>\n That charge involves a 14- or 15-year-old and an actor more than 24 months older.<\/p>\n The third-degree charge carries up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.<\/p>\n The complaint contains conflicting dates in its charge sections.<\/p>\n Its probable-cause narrative places the alleged conduct during the summer of 2024.<\/p>\n The case is State of Minnesota v. Elijiah Andrew Goodwin.<\/p>\n The court file number is 44-CR-26-456.<\/p>\n Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish Goodwin’s guilt.<\/p>\n Goodwin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n![\"Elijiah](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GOODWIN-ELIJIAH-ANDREW.jpg\")
Forensic Interview Reviewed<\/h2>\n
Three Felony Charges Filed<\/h2>\n