NOTE: all references to the victim have been changed to they/them to help protect the victim’s identity.
LAKEFIELD — A Lakefield man is charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for reportedly engaging in sex with a victim under the age of 16, with whom the perpetrator had a significant relationship.
On Jan. 20, Lakefield Police received a report of sexual assault that occurred in the city of Lakefield. Law enforcement met with the victim and the victim’s sibling.
The sibling stated that the day before, they had returned home late and walked into the room of Adrian Connell, 44, of Lakefield. The sibling reported they found Connell in bed with the victim, with his hands under the victim’s clothes.
The victim stated that earlier, Connell had texted them to come “scratch his back”. According to the criminal complaint, Connell began touching the victim sexually and forced the victim to touch him.
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The victim stated that Connell had begun touching them sexually when they were around five or six. According to the report, Connell started having penetrative sex with the victim three years ago and had done so as recently as two weeks before the victim made their report to the police.
The victim stated they had previously told their mother about the assault, but had recanted their story due to being afraid of Connell.
Law enforcement spoke with Connell over the phone. He stated he was driving around and was aware of what had been reported. Connell stated that the night before, he had taken his medication and gone to bed. He was reportedly aware the victim had come into his room, and that the victim’s sibling had found them together. Connell reportedly told officers he and the victim were sleeping, and that the victim doesn't usually fall asleep in his room. He also acknowledged sending the victim a text asking them to scratch his back.
Connell reportedly told officers he had taken a drive to clear his head and that he would come to the Sheriff’s Office later. He did not show up.
At the time the complaint was filed, Connell’s whereabouts were unknown, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was later detained in Jackson County, where his conditional bail was set at $10,000. A No Contact Order was issued. Connell is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Thursday, Feb. 2.
If convicted, Connell faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and/or a $40,000 fine, and a mandatory minimum of 144 months, on each of the first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.
Note: This article was written based on information reported by local law enforcement agencies. The Globe reminds readers that all individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Southwest Crisis Center is available in our community to support and empower survivors of sexual and domestic violence. For questions about services or how you can help, contact the Southwest Crisis Center at 1-800-376-4311 or mnswcc.org .
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