Hoyt Lakes man pleads guilty to underage sex crimes - The Timberjay

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REGIONAL — A Hoyt Lakes man has pleaded guilty in St. Louis County District Court of multiple counts of sex with an underaged girl as well as possession of child pornography.

Robert Allen Hannu, age 60, is accused of multiple sexual encounters, including penetration, with a 14-year-old victim. Several of the encounters took place near a Lake Vermilion cabin owned by the victim’s family.

According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s investigation, Hannu met the victim online and began the sexual relationship in the summer of 2019, continuing until May of 2020.

The investigation confirmed at least six encounters during that time, most occurring in a van parked near the victim’s home in Virginia or the family’s lake cabin.

According to the statement of probable cause, Hannu had identified himself to the victim as Mike Johnson from the beginning of their relationship and it was only much later that she learned his real name. Hannu had worked for an over-the-road trucking company and the investigation found evidence that he has engaged in similar activities while traveling around the country.

Hannu signed the guilty plea, acknowledging four counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree, victim 13-15, actor greater than 24 months older, along with possession of pornographic material depicting a minor under 14. Hannu is expected to be sentenced to prison for a total of 110 months.