Psychologist For Minnesota Sex Offender Program Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A psychologist who worked for the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) is charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct after allegedly engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships with two different program clients.

Michelle Brownfield, 38, faces two criminal sexual conduct charges, according to a criminal complaint.

The Moose Lake Police Department began investigating Brownfield after receiving a tip in October that she was in a sexual relationship with a client at the MSOP facility in Moose Lake, which treats "clients committed as sexually dangerous persons and sexually psychopathic personalities."

Two clients reported having sexual relationships with Brownfield, and text messages from her phone showed evidence of the relationships, the complaint states.

In a text to one of the clients' sister, who was used as a "go between," Brownfield said their relationship was "a true Romeo and Juliet scenario." The complaint states "a great deal of sexually explicit material" was found on the phone.

A warrant has been issued for Brownfield's arrest.

Minnesota Department of Human Services Deputy Commissioner Chuck Johnson released a statement in response to the charges.

"We expect all staff to maintain strict professional boundaries at MSOP," Johnson said. "That's essential in any therapeutic setting, and anything less is unacceptable. Under data privacy laws, we can't comment on specific personnel matters. However, generally speaking, any allegation of sexual contact between a staff member and client is taken seriously, treated with urgency and examined thoroughly. We involve law enforcement whenever the situation calls for it and we cooperate fully in their investigations."