Minnesota Psychologist Charged With Having Sex With Sex Offenders
Carlton, MN (KROC AM News) - A psychologist whose job was to assess and evaluate clients at the Minnesota sex offender program in Moose Lake is accused of having sex with two of them.
Because state law forbids such sexual relationships, Michelle Brownfield has been charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The Moose Lake site is a secure treatment facility serving clients committed as sexually dangerous persons and sexually psychopathic personalities. Brownfield was a member of its staff.
The criminal complaint was filed in Carlton County Court Wednesday and a warrant was issued for her arrest. The 38-year Brownfield has a Duluth address.
The investigation began last year when one of her clients at the facility “reported that he had been engaged in a long relationship” with Brownfield that began in 2016.
It was learned another client had reported to his therapist that Brownfield began a sexual relationship with him in 2017.
Investigators discovered text messages involving the first man in which Brownfield “makes multiple statements about strong romantic feelings” for him and “that she loves him and that her relationship is a true Romeo and Juliet scenario.”
When investigators searched Brownfield’s phone they found more evidence that supported the allegations and “written entries describing sexual arousal during assessment of sexual offenders.”
A top official with the Minnesota Dept. of Human Services released this statement after the case was filed.
Chuck Johnson is DHS Deputy Commissioner:
"We expect all staff to maintain strict professional boundaries at MSOP. That’s essential in any therapeutic setting, and anything less is unacceptable. Under data privacy laws, we can’t comment on specific personnel matters. However, generally speaking, any allegation of sexual contact between a staff member and client is taken seriously, treated with urgency and examined thoroughly. We involve law enforcement whenever the situation calls for it and we cooperate fully in their investigations.”
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