A Minnesota firefighter was charged with sexually assaulting a baby and possession of child pornography, according to a criminal complaint filed last Thursday, the Duluth News Tribune reported.
Investigators said Duluth firefighter Caleb Stuart Lofald sexually assaulted a 4-month-old girl at his home in May 2013- photographs of which police obtained during a search at his Hermantown home last November.
Police also recovered videos of a 6-year-old boy and a woman secretly filmed getting undressed in his guest room on separate occasions in September 2014, the newspaper reported.
Lofald was placed on leave after the search warrants were carried out. He was charged with criminal sexual conduct, possession of child porn and interfering with the privacy of a minor and an adult woman.
"The crimes outlined in the charges filed today are beyond heinous," Duluth Mayor Don Ness said according to the newspaper.
"The City of Duluth is now pushing for discharge of this employee as swiftly as possible, pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. The City has zero tolerance for this type of atrocious criminal behavior. Our primary concern is with the victims and all families involved."
Investigators did not disclose what led police to search Lofald's residence. The search, also conducted at Duluth Fire Department's Fire Station 7, resulted in electronic devices being seized from both locations.
"This unfortunate and isolated incident in no way represents the true character and high caliber of the Duluth Fire Department," Ness said. "The men and women of the DFD represent the very best of our community and deserve our continued respect and admiration."
Lofald faces up to 25 years in prison if he is found guilty.
