WORTHINGTON -- A 17-year-old Worthington teen is facing two felony counts of third-degree criminal sexual contact after picking a girl up from the middle school and allegedly forcing her to have sex.
Oketh Obang Owity is currently under house arrest and ordered to attend school regularly and have no contact with the alleged victim, who is between the ages of 13 and 15.
The complaint states authorities were patrolling Friday afternoon when they noticed a vehicle at Olson Park. Knowing the park was closed for the season, they investigated the flooded and muddy grounds and discovered the windows of the vehicle were fogged, but movement could be discerned inside the car.
After pulling up behind the car and approaching on foot, they noted a partially open window. They saw a young man, later identified as Owity, on top of a young woman.
When one officer identified himself, Owity looked up with what appeared to be a surprised look on his face, the complaint states.
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When both were out of the car and dressed, the officers separated them to take statements.
The girl said she had known Owity for about three months. He had sent her a text message, then picked her up at Worthington Middle School. She said he was going to take her for a ride around the lake, then take her home. They pulled into the park to talk, she said, but then he asked her to have sex.
The girl claimed she said no, but he removed her clothing anyway. She allegedly told him again she did not want to have sex, then punched him.
Owity told the officer questioning him that he thought she was older, then pleaded for a second chance.
The girl gave a recorded statement and was taken to the hospital for an exam.
There was no formal interview with Owity after his mother informed authorities she wanted to speak to an attorney. He was arrested and transported to the New Ulm juvenile facility. He was later released to the custody of his parents.
