Feds indict 5 accused of 'systematic' torture of child in northern Minnesota

A federal grand jury indicted five northern Minnesota residents on child abuse and neglect charges, levying accusations of "systematic torture, endangerment, neglect and abuse."

The indictment, unsealed Friday, accused Trina Mae Johnson, 49, of directing the abuse of a boy who was in her legal custody through a foster care placement. She is charged alongside Bertram Calvin Lussier Jr., 42, and her three sisters — Bobbi Jo Johnson, 44; Ellie Mae Johnson, 47; and Patricia Ann Johnson, 39 — with those four accused of aiding and abetting Johnson. They each regularly assumed responsibility for all or part of the child's care and supervision.

Messages seeking comment from the defendants' attorneys were not returned Monday.

https://www.startribune.com/federal-indictment-foster-torture-child-abuse-northern-minnesota-red-lake/600247785/