Ponsford Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor on the White Earth Reservation

MINNEAPOLIS - A Ponsford man has been indicted for sexually abusing a minor on the White Earth Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

According to court documents, between October 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, within the exterior boundaries of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe Indian Reservation, Joseph Schultz, 42, knowingly engaged in sexual acts with a minor under the age of 12.

The indictment charges Schultz with one count of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact. Schultz made his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Jon T. Huseby.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the White Earth Tribal Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carla J. Baumel and Michael P. McBride are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.