The jury returned its unanimous verdict Monday, October 26, 2026, following a six-day trial.<\/p>\n
Jurors deliberated for approximately two hours before reaching their decision.<\/p>\n
The case involved years of sexual abuse and an investigation spanning Minnesota, California, and Nevada.<\/p>\n
Jury Finds Humiston Guilty on Six Counts<\/h2>\n
Beltrami County Attorney David L. Hanson announced the verdict following the trial.<\/p>\n
According to prosecutors, the case involved repeated sexual abuse of children dating back to 2019.<\/p>\n
Investigators reported that the victims included children as young as 8 years old.<\/p>\n
The six guilty verdicts were returned after jurors heard testimony and reviewed evidence presented during the trial.<\/p>\n
Judge Jeanine Brand presided over the proceedings.<\/p>\n
Following the verdict, the judge ordered Humiston into custody while awaiting sentencing.<\/p>\n
Investigation Began After Child’s Medical Test<\/h2>\n
The criminal investigation began in 2024 after a child tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection.<\/p>\n
Investigators with the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office began examining allegations of sexual abuse.<\/p>\n
As the investigation continued, authorities learned that the reported abuse stretched back several years.<\/p>\n
They also discovered information indicating that related offenses had occurred outside Minnesota.<\/p>\n
Investigators worked to gather evidence from multiple states and identify the full scope of the abuse.<\/p>\n
Agencies Across Three States Worked Together<\/h2>\n
The case required cooperation between law enforcement agencies in Minnesota, California, and Nevada.<\/p>\n
Beltrami County investigators worked with the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office in California and Douglas County authorities in Nevada.<\/p>\n
The FBI in northeastern California also assisted.<\/p>\n
Federal prosecutors from the Eastern District of California were involved in the broader investigation.<\/p>\n
Authorities said the cooperation helped investigators pursue evidence across state lines.<\/p>\n The Beltrami County Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges in January 2025.<\/p>\n Authorities also requested a nationwide arrest warrant.<\/p>\n Humiston was arrested in Douglas County, Nevada, in early 2025.<\/p>\n He was later extradited to Minnesota to face prosecution.<\/p>\n The case continued through court proceedings before reaching trial in October 2026.<\/p>\n Humiston is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on December 29, 2026.<\/p>\n The jury’s verdict establishes his guilt on six criminal sexual conduct counts.<\/p>\n However, the court has not yet imposed a sentence.<\/p>\n First-degree criminal sexual conduct is a serious felony under Minnesota Statute 609.342<\/a>.<\/p>\n The sentence will depend on applicable law and the court’s findings.<\/p>\n County Attorney Hanson praised the victims for their courage during the trial.<\/p>\n He acknowledged the difficulty of speaking publicly about the abuse they experienced.<\/p>\n Hanson also thanked law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who helped bring the case to trial.<\/p>\n Further court information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n Additional details about the verdict were reported by Lakeland News<\/a> and FOX 9<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Beltrami](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Thomas-Humiston-1024x576.png\")
<\/a>Humiston Arrested in Nevada in 2025<\/h2>\n
Sentencing Scheduled for December 29<\/h2>\n
Prosecutor Praises Victims and Investigators<\/h2>\n