Mehtala Pleads Not Guilty

A Superior man accused of multiple charges of sexual assault pleaded not guilty in Douglas County Court today.

Craig Mehtala is facing three counts of sexual assault for crimes that occurred earlier this year in Superior.

"We really haven't seen anything like this that's been detected, uncovered, arrested and prosecuted in my years," said Dan Blank, Douglas County district attorney. "You know a multiple incident, separate victim, stranger assaults--it's a very serious case."

According to the criminal complaint, Mehtala is believed to have attacked and sexually assaulted multiple victims in Superior. Each felony charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 40 years behind bars and a fine of up to 100-thousand dollars.

"I think it's very important in very serious interpersonal crime--danger to the community kind of cases, that a strong punishment is sent forth," said Blank.

One Superior Resident said she hopes Mehtala receives the maximum level of sanctioning.

"I think they definitely should throw the book at him," said Cherelle Anderson. "When asked to comment on the charges against his client, the defense attorney said he's still waiting for more information from the prosecution.

"I'm entitled to every bit of evidence that the state has," said Chris Gramstrup, Mehtala's attorney. "I have requested that, haven't received that, and until I really do, I can't really comment on the strength of the state's case."

In the meantime, residents who leave near where one of the assaults took place say they're concerned.

"We used to leave our doors unlocked because we trust our neighborhood, now we're probably not going to do that anymore," said Anderson.

Mehtala is also facing sexual assault charges in Burnett County, Wisconsin.

In Douglas County, the defendant's next court appearance is December 18th.

MORE FROM KBJR-TV

KBJR-TV Section Front

TJ's Country Market in Mahtowa Robbed at Gunpoint   Cloquet Man Allegedly Stabbed By Girlfriend With Butcher Knife   One Killed in Rear-End Collision on Highway 2   Santa's Helpers in Duluth Provide Christmas Bikes For Children   Minnesota Police Steer Cows Off I-35 KBJR-TV Section Front   Add KBJR-TV headlines to your news reader: