Duluth Firefighter Could Face Federal Charges for Sex Crimes

DULUTH, Minn. - Judge David Johnson set Caleb Lofald's bail at $250,000 without conditions or $100,000 with intensive supervised release and no unsupervised contact with minors Friday.The judge noted Lofald's current charges are extremely serious and believes the 32-year-old is a flight risk and he is concerned for Lofald's well-being and the public's if released. According to the criminal complaint, the Duluth firefighter is accused of multiple sex crimes dating back to May 2013. Evidence obtained from his Hermantown home include 11 pictures of a four–month-old girl and her genitals. The pictures show a hand touching the infant's genitalia along with several other explicit images. St. Louis County Attorney Gary Bjorklund says the allegations are part of a much larger investigation with the possibility of very significant federal charges. Bjorklund also says he might file for an upward departure in sentencing guidelines because of the seriousness of the allegations. The defense attorney told the court he did not believe such a high bail amount was necessary because of Lofald's significant community ties, lifelong residency in Hermantown and his history with Duluth and Fargo fire departments. He also told the prosecution Lofald has had supervised visits with his 3-1/2 year old son.Lofald's wife and father came to his court appearance Friday.His attorney, along with Bjorklund, declined to comment. Lofald will be back in court Feb. 4.