Laporte man charged for allegedly sexually abusing child

Nov. 5—HUBBARD COUNTY — A Laporte man who co-owns Bemidji sporting goods store Ridgetop Outdoors has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for allegedly abusing a minor for nearly 10 years.

According to court documents, 42-year-old Justin Schuver allegedly engaged in sexual contact with a minor that involved "multiple acts committed over an extended period of time."

According to the criminal complaint, in October the victim disclosed to a Beltrami County Child Protective Investigator that Schuver "had been sexually abusing her over the past 10 years."

The victim also stated she had a video on her cell phone, which she gave to law enforcement for investigation, that showed Schuver "grooming himself sexually" in her presence, the complaint said.

The victim disclosed several instances of abuse to law enforcement and attended a forensic interview at the Family Advocacy Center in Bemidji. According to the complaint, Schuver allegedly abused the victim multiple times.

During the abuse, Schuver allegedly told the child that "he would be in big trouble if she said anything about the touching," the complaint said.

Schuver was arrested on Friday at Ridgetop Outdoors and charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. He is currently being held at the Hubbard County Jail.

His initial court appearance is set for Nov. 12.