VIRGINIA — An Iron Range jury Wednesday found a man guilty of the sexual assault of three children.

Benjamen Robert Johnson, 38, of Virginia, was convicted on one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The charges stem from assaults Johnson committed between November 2013 and December 2018 on three girls, who were known to Johnson, between the ages of 3 and 6, according to the amended criminal complaint.

Law enforcement began investigating in February 2024, after one of the girls reported abuse to a family member.

In a news release Thursday, St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki credited the girls for sharing their story.

“Most importantly, we commend the young victims for the extraordinary courage they showed in coming forw

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