Caregiver accused of sexually assaulting resident at Northome care facility
Morgan Sylvester Johnson
(Koochiching County Jail)
NORTHOME, Min. – A Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) investigation says a caregiver at a Lutheran Social Services facility in Northhome sexual assaulted a vulnerable adult.
The report from DHS says the caregiver helped the vulnerable adult get into bed.
The caregiver then got into that bed with the vulnerable adult and began to kiss them. The caregiver put their hands under the vulnerable adult’s clothing and then touched the vulnerable adult’s genitals.
The vulnerable adult told the caregiver “no” and pushed the caregiver’s hands away. The report says the incident lasted about two minutes. The vulnerable adult told other staff what happened the next day.
The facility completed an Internal Review which determined that their policies and procedures were adequate but were not followed. As soon as the facility became aware of the allegations, the caregiver was suspended and had no further contact with any individuals at the facility. The Caregiver is no longer employed at Lutheran Social Services Bartlett in Nothome according to the report.
The Department of Human Services worked law enforcement in their investigation and it was sent to the Koochiching County Attorney’s Office who charged Morgan Sylvester Johnson.
Johnson is facing three counts of criminal sexual conduct; two third-degree counts and one fourth-degree count.
He’s slated to be back in court on January 21, 2026 for an Omnibus Hearing.
The incident happened in Mid-November at LSS Bartlett.
Lutheran Social Service Of Minnesota Logo
Lutheran Social Services told FOX21 in a statement:
“We have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and are deeply troubled by the findings of the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ investigation. The behavior of this former employee is completely unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to our values. All individuals entrusted to our care deserve safety, dignity, and respect.
All prospective employees undergo background checks and receive comprehensive training on professional boundaries, safety, and wellbeing, making this incident both unexpected and profoundly disappointing.
We are actively providing support to the individual affected and remain fully committed to upholding the high standards of care that have guided our work since 1954 when we first began providing support to individuals with identified needs.”
