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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth - Police Department
Mike Ceynowa, Chief of Police
2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
DATE: 7/27/2018
SUBJECT: Woodland Hills Counselor Arrested
BY: Lt. Mike Ceynowa

NATURE OF INCIDENT: 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct
CASE NO.: 18616443
INCIDENT DATE:
INCIDENT TIME:
INCIDENT LOCATION:

On 07/21/18, the Duluth Police Department received a report alleging a male staff member at the Hills Youth and Family Services, located in the 4300 block of Allendale Avenue, was engaging in sex acts with juvenile male clients.  Once being made aware of the allegation, the counselor was immediately removed from the facility and placed on leave by The Hills administration. 

An investigation was initiated by the Duluth Police Department Sex Crimes Abuse Neglect and Juvenile Services Units, and the Hills Youth Care Counselor, MARK DAVID PAINTER, 28 years of age, was taken into custody at his residence and lodged at the St. Louis County Jail on a charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct.

On 07/27/18, MARK DAVID PAINTER was formally charged by the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office on five counts of 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. 

The investigation is ongoing and we will provide updates as they become available.