5 people sentenced to prison for child abuse in Minnesota's Red Lake Nation – InForum

MINNEAPOLIS – Five members of the Red Lake Nation have been sentenced to prison for abusing a child they cared for in a foster home.

According to court documents, between January 1, 2021, and April 29, 2022, Trina Mae Johnson, 50, ordered the torture, endangerment, neglect and abuse of a child who was in her care in a foster home.

Johnson was supported and instigated by 43-year-old Bertram Calvin Lussier Jr. and Johnson's three sisters, 46-year-old Bobbi Jo Johnson (Kingbird), 48-year-old Ellie Mae Johnson and 40-year-old Patricia Ann Johnson.

All accomplices “regularly assumed all or part of the responsibility for the care and supervision of the minor victim,” according to a statement from the US Department of Justice.

The abuse included withholding food to the point of starvation, forcing the child to stand in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time, and various types of child abuse, the press release said.

“As a result of the abuse by Johnson and her accomplices, the victim suffered serious and significant physical, mental and emotional harm,” the press release continues.

In February, Trina Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of child torture, one count of child neglect/deprivation of food and medical care, one count of child endangerment, and one count of assault on a minor with a dangerous weapon.

She was sentenced by a U.S. District Court on Thursday to 216 months in prison, followed by five years of probation.

In April, Bobbi Jo Johnson was found guilty by a federal court jury of one count of child neglect (deprivation of food and medical care) and one count of child endangerment.

She was sentenced on Thursday to 72 months in prison, followed by three years' probation.

Ellie Johnson, Patricia Johnson and Lussier each pleaded guilty to one count of child endangerment.

Ellie Johnson was sentenced to 48 months and three years probation, Patricia Johnson was sentenced to 48 months and three years probation. Lussier was sentenced to 24 months and two years probation.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Red Lake Tribal Police Department, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Bemidji Police Department and Blackduck Police Department.