Men Charged After 14-Year-Old Girl Drugged, Sexually Assaulted In Mahtomedi: Sheriff

MAHTOMEDI, MN — Two men are facing felony charges after a 14-year-old girl was trafficked, drugged, and sexually assaulted at an apartment in Mahtomedi, according to authorities.

Billy Ray Wiley, 52, of Minneapolis, is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and sex trafficking of a minor.

Michael Lewis, 69, of Mahtomedi, is charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

"It’s heartbreaking to know these men brought a 14-year-old girl into our community and sexually assaulted her," Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family. We are prosecuting this case to the further extent of the law. Our human trafficking taskforce is located here in Washington County to ensure that we continue to be vigilant and keep depraved sexual predators out of our neighborhoods."

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the Piccadilly Apartments on Mahtomedi Avenue on the evening of June 30.

A witness reported a young girl dancing and screaming "no, no, no" in the parking lot. Responding officers found the girl under the influence of drugs and carrying drug paraphernalia, unopened condoms, and alcohol prep wipes in her purse.

The girl, who said she was going into eighth grade, later told investigators that Wiley often picked her up near an Aldi in Minneapolis. On the day of the incident, she said Wiley gave her crack cocaine and drove her to Lewis’ apartment in Mahtomedi, where she was left alone with Lewis.

During a follow-up interview, the girl told investigators she was given drugs before and after the sexual assaults.

Surveillance footage from the apartment complex corroborated the girl's account, showing Wiley arriving with her around 6:30 p.m., buzzing into Lewis' unit, and leaving alone around 10 p.m., according to the criminal complaint.

Minutes later, the girl was seen running out of the building in an "erratic" state, authorities said.

Investigators say this was not an isolated incident. Surveillance footage from June 28 shows Wiley arriving at the same apartment with two other young girls, one of whom appeared heavily intoxicated and needed assistance walking, according to the criminal complaint. One of the girls was later found asleep in a car in the building's underground garage.

Wiley was arrested on July 8 after investigators tracked his phone and spotted him driving near the same apartment building. He was pulled over with a 17-year-old girl in the car.

Officers say Wiley spontaneously asked, "Is it illegal to pay for p***y?" before they searched his vehicle and found drugs, condoms, and multiple phone numbers.

The 17-year-old girl told police Wiley had picked her up near Dale Street and University Avenue in St. Paul, drove her around for hours, made comments about her appearance, and refused to drop her off despite her repeated requests.

Lewis was also arrested. Investigators say his apartment matched the victim’s description and contained drug paraphernalia. He initially denied knowing the 14-year-old girl, authorities said.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and additional victims may be identified.

"We are dedicated, along with our local public safety partners, to combat sex and human trafficking within our communities," Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry said.

"We do this by vigorously investigating and charging those who exploit juveniles and adults in Washington County."