Charges Against Minnesota State Sex Offender Psychologist Dropped

Carlton, MN (KROC-AM News)- Prosecutors have dropped a sexual assault case against a psychologist for the Minnesota State Sex Offender Program. 

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The dismissal motion was filed in Carlton County Court last week. She was charged in April of 2021. 

Court records indicate the case charging 41-year-old Michelle Brownfield with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct was dropped due to the death of a critical witness. 

She was accused of being involved in a sexual relationship with two clients enrolled in the Minnesota sex offender program in Moose Lake. 

The investigation that led to charges against the Duluth woman began in 2020 when one of Brownfield’s clients reported being involved in a sexual relationship with her that dated back to 2016. 

The charges say 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.” 

The court document says a further search of Brownfield’s found more evidence that supported the allegations. 

Another client told his therapist that he and Brownfield were in a sexual relationship that began in 2017, according to the criminal complaint.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, resources are available for help. Visit the RAINN website (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) or dial 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673).

Brownfield’s role was to assess and evaluate clients in the state’s sex offender program. State law prohibits someone in that occupation from having sexual relationships with their clients.

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