Mayor Ness: Charges Against Firefighter Are Beyond Heinous

DULUTH, Minn. - A Duluth firefighter is accused of disturbing sex crimes against a four month old girl and a six-year-old boy. Caleb Lofald, 32, of Hermantown is charged with criminal sexual conduct, possessing child pornography and interfering with privacy. If Lofald is convicted on all counts, with the maximum sentence, he could spend more than two decades behind bars. According to the criminal complaint, Lofald is accused of sex crimes dating back to May 2013, with the most recent offense taking place in November. Evidence against Lofald was obtained from both his Hermantown home and a Duluth fire station. Included in that evidence are 11 pictures of a 4-month old girl and her genitals. The complaint stated the pictures showed a hand touching an infant’s genitalia, along with several other graphic images. Video was also discovered that investigators believe was filmed at Lofald’s home using a hidden camera. The video shows an adult female and a six-year-old boy changing their clothing. The complaint stated the video was recorded on two consecutive days this past September, with shots from a guest bedroom and bathroom. Mayor Ness released the following statement Thursday afternoon: “The crimes outlined in the charges filed today are beyond heinous. 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. This unfortunate and isolated incident in no way represents the true character and high caliber of the Duluth Fire Department. The men and women of the DFD represent the very best of our community and deserve our continued respect and admiration.” Lofald is set to make his first court appearance Friday, Jan. 16.