Minnesota couple charged after a missing girl was found in a cardboard box

A Minnesota couple is facing sexual misconduct charges after a 14-year-old girl who had been reported missing was discovered inside a cardboard box at their home, authorities have said.

Angeline and Andrew Olson have both been charged with soliciting a child to engage in sexual conduct, according to reports from Fox 9, KSTP, and WCCO, citing authorities. Angeline faces an additional count of criminal sexual conduct, whilst Andrew is also charged with three counts of possessing child sexual abuse material.

Girl reported missing from school

According to a criminal complaint cited by the outlets, the 14-year-old was reported missing from school on 26 May. Her father told police he believed she may have gone to the Oakdale, Minnesota home of the Olsons, who are the parents of one of her friends.

Officers attended the Olsons' home, where Angeline allegedly denied any knowledge of the girl's whereabouts that day.

A neighbour's tip leads police back to the home

Several hours later, a neighbour reportedly contacted police to report that a girl wearing a bathing suit top had been spotted outside with the Olsons. When officers returned to the property, the couple allegedly became "immediately argumentative" and again denied that the girl was present, according to KSTP, which cited the complaint.

A search of the home was subsequently conducted, during which police allegedly discovered the girl concealed inside a cardboard box beneath a pile of clothing in the Olsons' bedroom.

Abuse material also allegedly found

The criminal complaint further alleged that investigators subsequently uncovered child sexual abuse material involving both the couple and the girl.

Defence responds

KARE spoke with an attorney representing Andrew Olson, who stated that his client "is presumed innocent and looks forward to clearing his name where it counts: in court." It is not yet clear whether either Andrew or Angeline has entered a plea.