BEMIDJI, MINN. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Minnesota), published as received.
BEMIDJI, Minn. – Following a four-day trial, Matthew Thomas McGregor, 35, a Red Lake man, was convicted by a federal jury with one count of sexual abuse of a minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, McGregor groomed and sexually assaulted a minor victim, who was under the age of 15, in a residence. McGregor will be sentenced at a later date.
“Sexual violence against children is one of the most devastating crimes we prosecute, and tragically, it occurs at disproportionately high rates in our tribal communities. This conviction reflects our unwavering commitment to standing with our native nations like the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians in protecting their children and delivering justice. McGregor committed an unthinkable crime against a vulnerable child. We will not tolerate it. Our office will continue working alongside tribal, federal, and local partners to confront the crisis of sexual abuse head-on and ensure that survivors are heard, believed, and protected.”
“Yesterday, a federal jury convicted Matthew McGregor for sexual abuse of a minor,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. “Anyone who sexually assaults a child will feel the full force of our law enforcement efforts. The FBI will deploy every resource possible to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. We will work with federal prosecutors to seek an appropriate sentence, and we remain committed to keeping every child safe.”
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and Red Lake Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office commends the excellent work of the FBI and the Red Lake Police Department in this case and is grateful for this important partnership.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary S. Riverso and Rachel L. Kraker prosecuted the case.
