On Jan. 24, 2014, a criminal complaint was filed against Jacob H. Torkelson, age 21, of Merrill, for Possession of Child Pornography, a felony. Jacob Torkelson made his initial appearance that same day.
According to the criminal complaint, on Jan. 23, 2014, officers with the Merrill Police Department, with assistance from special agents with the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), executed a search warrant at the defendant’s address, located in the City of Merrill. An on-scene forensic preview by a DCI analyst of a cellular telephone belonging to Jacob Torkelson uncovered numerous images consistent with child pornography.
The Merrill Police Department is a member of Wisconsin’s ICAC Task Force.
A defendant enjoys the presumption of innocence. The prosecution must prove its allegations at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.