Federal jury finds Red Lake woman guilty in child abuse case

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Child Neglect Case in Red Lake Nation

Introduction

A federal jury in Minneapolis has recently found a Red Lake woman guilty of child neglect and endangerment in the Red Lake Nation. The incidents occurred between January 2021 and April 2022. This case highlights the importance of addressing child neglect and abuse, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.

Case Details

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bobbi Jo Johnson, also known as Bobbi Jo Kingbird, was convicted on one count of child neglect/deprivation of food and health care, and one count of child endangerment. She is one of five people indicted in the case, and the only one whose case went to trial.

Evidence presented at trial and court documents revealed that Bobbi Jo Johnson engaged in the endangerment, neglect, and abuse of a child who was in the foster care of her sister, Trina Mae Johnson. The abuse included withholding food from the victim, forcing the victim into uncomfortable positions for extended periods, and physically assaulting the victim. These actions resulted in serious physical, mental, and emotional harm to the child.

Other Defendants

According to the January 2023 indictment, Bobbi Jo Johnson was aided and abetted by Bertram Calvin Lussier Jr., Ellie Mae Johnson, and Patricia Ann Johnson, who regularly assumed responsibility for the care and supervision of the child. Trina Mae Johnson pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including child torture, child neglect/deprivation of food and health care, child endangerment, and assault on a minor with a dangerous weapon. Ellie Mae Johnson, Patricia Ann Johnson, and Bertram Calvin Lussier Jr. each pleaded guilty to one count of child endangerment.

Sentencing and Investigation

All five defendants will be sentenced at a later date. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Red Lake Tribal Police Department, with support from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, the Bemidji Police Department, and the Blackduck Police Department.

Conclusion

This child neglect case in the Red Lake Nation serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing child abuse and neglect to ensure the well-being and safety of children. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. The successful prosecution of those responsible for child neglect and endangerment contributes to achieving this goal.

Sources:

1. Bemidji Pioneer: 5 Indicted for Multiple Child Abuse Charges in Red Lake Nation

About the Author

• By Pioneer Staff Report

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issues highlighted in the article are child neglect, endangerment, and abuse, which are connected to several SDGs. Child neglect and endangerment can lead to poverty (SDG 1) and hunger (SDG 2) if children are deprived of food and health care. The physical, mental, and emotional harm caused by abuse can impact the well-being (SDG 3) and education (SDG 4) of the child. Gender equality (SDG 5) is also relevant as the article mentions the involvement of both male and female defendants. The case highlights the importance of reducing inequalities (SDG 10) by ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. Finally, the article discusses the trial and investigation process, which relates to the need for peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
• Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular, the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
• Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Based on the issues discussed in the article, the specific targets that can be identified are reducing poverty (Target 1.2), ending hunger (Target 2.1), preventing child deaths (Target 3.2), ensuring access to quality education (Target 4.1), eliminating violence against women and girls (Target 5.2), promoting social inclusion (Target 10.2), and promoting the rule of law and equal access to justice (Target 16.3).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:

• Proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty (Indicator for Target 1.2)
• Access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food (Indicator for Target 2.1)
• Neonatal mortality rate and under-5 mortality rate (Indicators for Target 3.2)
• Completion rates of primary and secondary education (Indicator for Target 4.1)
• Incidents of violence against women and girls (Indicator for Target 5.2)
• Measures of social, economic, and political inclusion (Indicator for Target 10.2)
• Availability and accessibility of justice systems (Indicator for Target 16.3)

These indicators can be used to track progress in reducing poverty, ending hunger, improving child health, promoting education, preventing violence, ensuring social inclusion, and strengthening justice systems.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators