Minnesota Man Charged with Traveling to Rhinelander for Sex with Minor

Creighton Mithaugen accused of crossing state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a child

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:06am

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A 37-year-old Minnesota man named Creighton Mithaugen has been indicted for allegedly traveling to Rhinelander, Wisconsin on February 13 to engage in sexual conduct with a minor. Mithaugen faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of adults traveling across state lines to sexually exploit minors, a serious crime that has significant psychological and emotional impacts on victims. Law enforcement agencies work to investigate and prosecute these types of cases to protect vulnerable children.

The details

According to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Wisconsin, Mithaugen traveled from his home in Faribault, Minnesota to the Rhinelander area to engage in illicit sexual actions with a minor. The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies, including the Oneida County Sheriff's Office and the Rhinelander Police Department.

  • Mithaugen allegedly traveled to Rhinelander on February 13, 2026.

The players

Creighton Mithaugen

A 37-year-old man from Faribault, Minnesota who is accused of traveling across state lines to engage in sexual conduct with a minor.

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What’s next

Mithaugen faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the charges.

The takeaway

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threat of adults sexually exploiting minors, and the importance of law enforcement vigilance and prosecution to protect vulnerable children from such predatory behavior.