MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A Farmington man has been charged after three young children he was taking care of were found playing alone in a hotel parking lot, covered in mud, according to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.

Benjamin Edward Barsness, 31, faces gross misdemeanor charges of child neglect and child endangerment in connection to the May 24 incident.

According to the criminal complaint, Farmington Police were dispatched at 8 a.m. to a local hotel for a child welfare check concerning unsupervised children in the hotel parking lot, which is near a busy two-lane highway.

Upon arrival, an officer found a 4-year-old child on top of a minivan, a 2-year-old child standing next to a van with two small screwdrivers in his mouth and another 2-year-old child on the side of the hotel near the highway. All were covered in mud and only wearing diapers.

The man who called police said that he first saw the children at around 6:30 a.m. playing on his deck. At around 8 a.m., he saw one of the kids on top of a vehicle and at that point became concerned and called police.

The police officer soon located the hotel room where the children were believed to have been staying. After announcing himself several times with no response, the officer entered the hotel room and made contact with Barsness, who smelled strongly of alcohol. He also had watery, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, the complaint said.

After waiving his constitutional right to remain silent, Barsness admitted he was the sole provider for the children and had been drinking vodka and soda between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. He said he forgot to lock the door and did not hear the police until they were inside his room. He said the children were sleeping in the same bed with him when they went to bed at 10 p.m., according to the complaint.

If convicted, Barsness could face up to one year in prison and a $3,000 fine per charge.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A 23-year-old social studies teacher has been charged with trying to solicit a minor for sex after being arrested Tuesday in an undercover investigation.

According to the criminal complaint, Joel Daniel Fowler, a teacher at Olson Middle School in Minneapolis, posted an ad on Craigslist looking for soon-to-be or recent high school graduates who want “to play with a just out of college guy.”

The ad continued, stating, “I was just at a HS graduation and watching the girls really made me miss high school and the fun those girls are.”

A St. Paul Police officer responded to Fowler’s ad, posing as a 14-year-old girl and the two agreed to meet up, with the intention of having sexual intercourse. According to the charges, Fowler identified himself as “Blake” but a law enforcement database showed the phone number belonged to Fowler.

Angered law enforcement officers stood before reporters and vented their outrage on Thursday.

“This is something we’re not going to stand for,” said St. Paul Police Chief Tom Smith.

Smith and others are talking about the apparent willingness of alleged sexual predators to target young teens. Often times, they post ads on the internet, aimed at soliciting young boys and girls to meet them for sex.

“There are predators out there willing to take advantage of young children, as young as 14 years old in this case,” Smith said.

Fowler made his first court appearance on Thursday and was charged with two counts of electronic solicitation of a child.

“What is in the complaint is absolutely disturbing,” said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi.

According to the criminal complaint, Fowler agreed to meet the so-called teen (but actual undercover officer) at Cherokee Park on Tuesday afternoon, where police had set up surveillance. Once Fowler arrived to the location, he was placed under arrest. Police say he had two condoms in his front left pocket and two condoms in his back left pocket.

Fowler told police he called in sick from his job as a middle school teacher on the day he was arrested. He said he met someone online and was going to meet them when he was stopped by police. Fowler denied knowing the age of the person he was meeting but said he was “eventually” going to have sex with her, according to the charges. He eventually admitted knowing the girl was underage but said he was going to see if she was lying about how old she was.

“Because what is here is someone who clearly knows that the person they are engaged with is a child, a minor child,” Choi said.

Fowler told officers he posted five different ads on Craigslist and re-posted them several times since 2012 “because he was bored,” according to the complaint.

He said this was the first time he posted an ad looking for someone specifically younger than him. He told police he did not have any inappropriate contact with children at the school where he taught.

Fowler’s arrest is part of a larger police investigation for people interested in sexual contact with minors. Forty-three-year-old Robert Hagen, of St. Paul, and 33-year-old Derek Field, of Apple Valley, were also arrested in the sting.

If convicted, Fowler could be sentenced to six years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Fowler is currently in custody and on administrative leave. Minneapolis Public Schools is working with Olson Middle School administrators to let parents know the situation surrounding Fowler’s absence.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A Columbia Heights man faces charges after a home invasion robbery and assault last week, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday.

On June 5, police officers responded to the incident at the 4100 block of Jefferson Street Northeast. Upon arrival, police encountered a man with injuries and took into custody two people – a man and boy – who fled the residence after the robbery.

The adult suspect, identified as 20-year-old Austin Dennis, now faces first-degree aggravated robbery and two counts of first-degree burglary.

The juvenile has not been identified.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — An 18-year-old woman has been charged with aggravated robbery after police say she and two of her friends robbed a man who hired her for sex, according to a criminal complaint.

Officers were dispatched to an apartment around 8:37 p.m. on June 11 located on Silver Bell Road in Eagan. Upon arrival, they met with a man who said he responded to an online ad and made arrangements for a prostitute to come to his apartment.

According to the complaint, Riley Lane Closson, of Eagan, arrived at the man’s apartment with two of her friends, 18-year-old Raygne Bryshanna Parker and 18-year-old Maryan Abdi Hurshe.

The man told police he was not expecting more than one woman and asked the others to leave. He said his brother was also at the apartment when the three women arrived.

As soon as the three women entered the apartment, they demanded money, according to the charges. Closson allegedly told the man she had a gun and would kill him and his brother if they didn’t give them more money.

The complaint states the women then began ripping their clothing, telling the men they would call the police and say the two men raped them if they didn’t get money and/or valuables.

One of the men then agreed to take Closson to an ATM at a gas station to get more money. The other man said he tried to push the two women out of the apartment but they hit and punched him, and stabbed him near his temple with a pen, according to the charges.

Police say one of the women stole the man’s car keys off a shelf in the apartment and after seeing him call 911, all three ran to a blue Dodge Charger and left.

The man who initially responded to the online ad told police he was scared for his life and unable to sleep because he was afraid the women would come back and harm them, according to the charges.

The Minnesota State Patrol spotted and stopped the Dodge Charger around 11:51 p.m. that same night in Plymouth. The women denied stealing any money from the men and denied hitting or punching anyone. Parker claimed the men had assaulted them, according to the complaint.

The man’s car keys were recovered from inside the Charger and Closson was placed under arrest. In a statement to officers, Closson claimed it was Parker who posted the ad online for prostitution and that she just drove the other women to the apartment. She said the incident and robbery occurred but she only waited in the hall and never entered the apartment, according to investigators.

Police say Closson’s driver’s license photo on file with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety confirmed she is the same person pictured in the online ad.

If convicted, Closson could face up to 15 years in prison and/or up to $30,000 in fines.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A Twin Cities attorney jailed and accused of dousing his girlfriend with hair spray and nail polish and then setting her on fire is now a free man.

David Gherity, 61, spent two months in Dakota County Jail after he was charged with first-degree assault and arson. However, charges against him were dropped and he was released from jail Friday.

From the beginning, Gherity maintained his innocence. He said he was in St. Paul working at the time his girlfriend was set on fire. Video surveillance later backed that claim up.

“It just feels good to be out. Freedom is a good thing,” Gherity said.

Gherity says it hard to believe he sat in jail for two months charged with a crime he did not commit.

“They charged me prior to doing a proper investigation, in my opinion,” Gherity said.

Gherity was charged with arson and assault after his girlfriend woke up on fire, back on Feb. 9 inside the condo they shared in Burnsville.

Crews put out the fire and rushed her to the hospital.

According to the criminal complaint, Gherity showed up at the hospital smelling like smoke and soot.

“Anybody who enters a place after a fire will smell like soot,” Gherity said.

But his work had video surveillance of him there at the same time his girlfriend was set on fire in Burnsville.

“It is a legitimate tape and I think everyone agrees that if he was there, he couldn’t have committed this horrific crime,” said Bob Miller, Gherity’s attorney.

“Yes, I care about her. I’ve been with her for 12 years it’s kind of hard not to, “said Gherity.

Gherity says the entire time he was locked up he thought about his girlfriend.

“They prohibited me from talking to her, so I don’t know her location,” Gherity said.
Gherity says what hurts most is he brought his girlfriend to Minnesota and she knew no one else, so she was alone during the ordeal. He knows he cannot get back the time he lost, but he hopes he will get something for what he went through.

“This matter is being referred to a civil attorney,” Miller said.

Investigators are still trying to figure out how Gherity’s girlfriend woke up on fire.

Burnsville Police tell us the investigation is still open. Meanwhile, the Dakota County attorney says he’s standing by its handling of the case. He says they didn’t find out about Gherity’s alibi and video proof until after his arrest.

Gherity has not said if he will consider a lawsuit. He did say it is an option.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A couple were charged Friday in the death of a University of Minnesota student last fall.

Shavelle Oscar Chavez-Nelson, 32, and Ashley Marie Conrade, 24, were both charged with second-degree intentional murder, according to the Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom.

“This was one of the most extensive investigations ever to occur in Dakota County’s history,” Backstrom said.

The victim, 20-year-old Anarae Schunk, was reported missing by her family on Sept. 23, 2013, and she was found stabbed to death seven days later. Searchers found her naked body in a ditch near a corn field in Rice County.

Schunk was with her former boyfriend, Chavez-Nelson (aka Anthony Lee Nelson) on the night he shot Palagor Jobi to death at a Burnsville bar – and one day before she was reported missing.

Ashley Concorde was also with Schunk and Chavez-Nelson – her boyfriend at the time – on that night, and brought them back to her Rosemount home after the fatal shooting.

Investigators found several items of physical evidence at Concorde’s home that pointed to Schunk’s stabbing death at the scene.

“Anarae Schunk was a lovely, intelligent and kindhearted young woman who will always be remembered and deeply missed by many,” Backstrom said. “Our deepest sympathy is extended to Anarae’s family and friends.”

Chavez-Nelson is currently in Stillwater prison for Jobi’s murder, and has five more years to serve. His next court appearance in the Schunk case will be on July 11.

Conrade’s bail was set at $2 million, and her next court appearance will also be on July 11.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A 19-year-old Sleepy Eye man faces two misdemeanor charges in connection to a crash that killed four people in March, according to the Brown County Attorney’s Office.

On Friday, Kansas Taylor Adams was specifically charged with failure to use due care and allowing over 1.4 grams of marijuana to be in his motor vehicle.

On March 7 at roughly 8:18 p.m., Adams lost control of his Pontiac on an icy curve while traveling westbound on Highway 14 near Sleepy Eye. A witness, who was traveling behind Adams, says he saw Adams’ vehicle accelerate after leaving the city limits before it lost control.

Officials said after losing control, Adams’ car then crossed into the eastbound lane and was broadsided by a Dodge pickup truck driven by 43-year-old Douglas Wiborg of New Ulm, Minn.

All four of Adams’ passengers were killed: 17-year-old Payton Adams of Sleepy Eye, 17-year-old Caleb Quesenberry of St. Peter, 18-year-old John Mangen of Fairfax and 20-year-old Tyler Hadley of Sleepy Eye. Adams was critically injured at the time of the crash.

Wiborg was driving with his two children. All three sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Troopers later found 3 grams of marijuana and paraphernalia inside Adams’ vehicle. Adams later admitted to having marijuana in his car, but said it did not belong to him.

If convicted, Adams could face up to 90 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000 per charge.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A 26-year-old Burnsville motorcyclist faces charges after he allegedly led a police officer on a short chase at speeds reaching 115 mph, according to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.

On June 26 at around 6 a.m., an officer driving a fully marked squad car was traveling southbound on Interstate 35W in Burnsville when he was passed by the motorcyclist. The officer estimated that the motorcycle was traveling over 100 mph, according to the criminal complaint.

The officer then activated his lights and siren and tried catching up to the driver, but he continued to accelerate away from the squad car. The motorcyclist was seen passing a pickup truck by driving onto the left shoulder.

The motorcyclist eventually drove onto an exit ramp and pulled over to the side after getting stuck behind two slower vehicles.

The motorcyclist, identified as Michael Ernest Rindahl, Jr., then admitted to reaching speeds of 115 mph and that his driving was careless. He said he first noticed the squad car behind him when he reached the exit ramp, but later said he saw the officer just north of County Road 42. He again changed his story and said he saw the squad car north of CR 42, but that he thought it was a regular passenger car.

The officer said that during the pursuit, he could see that the motorcycle had side mirrors on both sides and that Rindahl looked over his shoulder at the officer several times during the pursuit.

Rindahl now faces one felony count of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, one misdemeanor charge of reckless driving and one misdemeanor charge of careless driving.

If convicted, Rindahl could face up to 3 years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $5,000 for his felony charge and up to 90 days per misdemeanor charge.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A 46-year-old Minneapolis teacher is accused of sending sexual text messages to an underage student and seeking a sexual relationship, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.

Dan Arlen Anderson of Oakdale now faces charges of third-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct and stalking of a victim under 18 years of age, which are both felonies, in connection to the May 2014 incident.

According to the criminal complaint, on May 17, a Minneapolis South High School student reported to police that Anderson – a social studies teacher – was trying to get her to have sex with him. The next day, an investigator talked with Anderson, who admitted to asking for the student’s phone number and sending her a dozen text messages sexual in nature. Two text messages included pictures of his penis.

Police also examined the student’s phone and recovered the incriminating texts and photos sent by Anderson.

“It is very disappointing that a very few individuals use their position of authority to prey on the young people they are supposed to develop into intelligent adults and productive citizens,” Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said when announcing the charges. “I hope this prosecution sends a clear message to cut out this totally inappropriate behavior.”

If convicted, Anderson could face up to 15 years in prison for the attempted criminal sexual conduct charge and up to five years in prison for the stalking charge.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A 24-year-old Brooklyn Center man is charged with second-degree murder in connection to a fatal shooting in north Minneapolis over the weekend, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced.

On Wednesday, Joseph Lee Smith was charged in the death of 28-year-old Cabrie Young in the July 4 shooting that occurred at a home located on 3442 Dupont Ave. N.

The criminal complaint states that two men were in a fist fight outside the house when one of them was knocked unconscious. Young was helping the downed fighter inside the house when Smith, who was with the other fighter, ran up and allegedly starting shooting at Young.

If convicted, Smith could face up to 40 years in prison.

There will be a community vigil for Young on 34th Street and Dupont Avenue North Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Donations for the family can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank in care of Cabrie Young.

Cabrie Devon Young (credit: Young Family)

In north Minneapolis’ other weekend fatal shooting, the attorney’s office is asking for an extension until Thursday in seeking charges against a suspect in the shooting of Francesca DeSandre.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Some of the most serious charges facing the Waseca teen accused of planning to bomb his school and kill his parents have been dismissed.

According to court documents filed on Monday, a judge dismissed the four counts of premeditated murder facing 17-year-old John LaDue for lacking probable cause. The judge said that the state failed to show that the teen made substantial steps, beyond preparation, toward killing anyone.

In his order, Judge Gerald Wolf wrote that while LaDue was preparing to shoot his parents, sister and a school security officer, the teen never threatened or brandished a gun in front of his would-be victims. He just wrote about doing so.

“It would be pure speculation for this Court to assume that [LaDue] would have followed through,” Wolf wrote.

The judge also dismissed two counts of damage to property facing LaDue.

The teen, however, still faces multiple charges of possessing explosives.

LaDue was arrested in April after he was spotted acting suspicious outside a self-storage facility. When police searched the locker and later his room, they found guns, bomb-making equipment and a 180-page notebook detailing plans to re-create a Columbine-style massacre.

According to the criminal complaint, LaDue told officers he planned to “shoot and kill as many students as he could.”

He also admitted to detonating explosives on Waseca school playgrounds.

In an interview with authorities, LaDue said he considers himself to be mentally ill.

“I have good parents, I live in a good town,” LaDue told police. “I think I’m just really mentally ill and no one’s noticed and I’ve been trying to hide it.”

LaDue’s father said last month that he doubts his son would have gone through with the plot.

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) — Scott County authorities have charged four men in their 70s who they say made $200 in a poker cheating scheme at a racetrack.

The three Florida men and one Michigan man are charged with felony cheating while gambling at Canterbury Park last summer. Authorities arrested 75-year-old Duane Racle of Lake City, Florida, on Wednesday. They haven’t found the other three men.

All four have previous convictions for cheating while gambling in other states as far back as 1984.

The charges say one of the men distracted the dealer while two others palmed cards and traded them under the table. The fourth man stood behind the card swappers to block them from a surveillance camera.

Racle is in the county jail on $50,000 bond. Online jail records didn’t indicate an attorney.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 41-year-old man faces second-degree murder charges after getting into a fight on Wednesday.

According to the criminal complaint filed by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, 47-year-old Robert Hilgren got into a fight with Michael Merten after the latter apparently tried to fight Hilgren’s son at a party on Rice Street in Little Canada.

The complaint says that Hilgren told Merten, “That’s my son. You want to beat up on a 23-year-old kid? It’s his birthday. You want a piece of me?”

Merten allegedly pushed Hilgren into the path of a moving car. Hilgren’s wife, who was also there, said the act was intentional.

Hilgren was transported to Regions Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Merten left the scene but was later arrested at his home. The charges state that Merten passed field sobriety tests.

Merten is currently being held on $250,000 bond.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A 33-year-old IT student at St. Cloud State University faces multiple serious charges accusing him of secretly taking pictures and videos of women.

On Thursday, Kevin Petroske was charged with four felony counts of stalking (pattern of stalking conduct), five felony counts of stalking (aggravated violations committed because of bias) and 20 gross misdemeanor counts of interfering with privacy.

Last month, police arrested Petroske for allegedly peeping through a stranger’s window. They say a search of his phone showed a half dozen more victims near campus.

Police are concerned more women may have been victimized by Petroske. Investigators do not believe he knew his victims.

“The sad thing is the victim’s probably don’t even know they were being looked upon from the outside,” Steve said.

St. Cloud State University, which confirmed Petroske is a registered student, is assisting police with the investigation and is providing services for the women who police identified on Petroske’s phone.

Police say there are some things you can do to protect yourself.

“Shut your shades, lock your doors lock your window, anything suspicious make sure you report it,” Steve said.

If convicted of all charges, Petroske faces up to 10 years for each pattern of stalking charge, up to five years for each aggravated stalking charge and up to one year for each interference with privacy charge.

His bail was set for $300,000 unconditional and $150,000 conditional.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – An Albany man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of his infant son.

Robert John Kaiser, 32, has been charged with one count of murder in the second degree.

According to the criminal complaint, on Aug. 28 the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office heard a call that a 2-month-old boy was being airlifted to Children’s Hospital.

The child had a head injury and abuse was suspected.

Upon investigation, officials learned that Kaiser and the boy’s mother brought him into the Albany hospital on the evening of Aug. 27, as he was having trouble breathing and was seizing.

He later was transported to Children’s.

During the investigation, Kaiser told officials that he had been caring for the child when the child was injured.

The complaint states that Kaiser initially denied that the child had suffered any trauma, but later admitted to falling when he was holding the baby.

Kaiser demonstrated how he fell for investigators, who videotaped the demonstration.

A board certified child abuse pediatrician reviewed the video and told officials the injuries were not consistent with that type of fall.

According to the complaint, the infant’s mother confirmed that Kaiser had been watching the baby alone and added that she had received texts from him saying the baby would not let him sleep.

She also mentioned the child had acted differently after she returned.

The infant died on Sept. 3 due to traumatic brain injury.

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner ruled the child’s death a homicide.

Kaiser appeared in court on Friday.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A 43-year-old Vadnais Heights investment advisor pleaded guilty to accusations that he spent clients’ money on personal items instead of investing their funds, the United States Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.

Joel William Carlson, who was charged on Aug. 4, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of tax evasion for tax years 2010 and 2011.

According to documents filed in court, while acting as an investment advisor in 2010 and 2010, Carlson deposited client investments – and funds from his father – into a Trust Financial Group account, which was his personal bank account. He then spent the money on personal items. He misappropriated assets totaling more than $1.5 million, authorities say.

The attorney’s office says that when he was confronted by clients, he lied to them about the existence of their investments. Carlson also failed to file personal income tax returns for tax years 2010 and 2011.

According to his guilty plea, Carlson also failed to timely file personal income tax returns for tax years 2005 through 2007, so IRS filed a federal tax lien against Carlson for approximately $495,000.

Carlson will pay restitution to the investment fraud victims and his father. He also agreed to pay approximately $1.2 million in restitution to the IRS.

“The IRS enforces the nation’s tax laws, but also takes particular interest in cases where someone, for their own personal benefit, has taken what belonged to others,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the IRS Criminal Investigation St. Paul Field Office. “The IRS Criminal Investigation Division, together with the Department of Justice, will investigate and prosecute those who violate our tax system.”

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — After a month on the run, suspected killer Ty Hoffman appeared in court on second-degree murder charges Friday afternoon, and bail was set at $2 million.

Hoffman, 44, was formally charged Thursday with second-degree intentional murder. On Friday afternoon, he appeared in court wearing a bulletproof vest and no handcuffs.

He is being held in the Ramsey County Detention Center, where police have been interrogating him to try and find out if anyone had helped him while he was a fugitive. If that turns out to be the case, there will likely be others charged in connection with his month-long run from the law.

Police caught up with Hoffman Thursday morning in Shakopee after someone called in a tip. He was found standing at the drive-thru menu of an Arby’s restaurant and taken into custody without incident.

Investigators say Hoffman allegedly shot and killed his ex-boyfriend Kelly Phillips at an Arden Hills gas station on Aug. 11. Witnesses said that Hoffman shot Phillips twice at a distance, and then a third time in the back of the head at point blank range, according to a criminal complaint released Friday.

Police say the murder weapon was a .45 caliber semiautomatic handgun, as .45 caliber shells were found at the crime scene.

During their investigation, authorities searched a downtown Minneapolis condo where Hoffman sometimes stayed. Police searched the condo with the owner’s permission and found a suitcase containing Hoffman’s passport, prescription medication, and an ammunition magazine for a .45 caliber semiautomatic handgun.

The magazine held 13 live rounds consistent with the caliber, type and brand of the shells found at the murder scene and in Phillips’ body, the complaint states.

As yet, police say they are still searching for the gun.

When they were a couple, Hoffman and Phillips lived together, and were business partners, witnesses told authorities. Phillips owned the bar Lush in Minneapolis, and Hoffman managed it.

But when they broke up, Hoffman was evicted from the Phillips’ home and fired from Lush. He had no forwarding address, the complaint states.

It also says Hoffman stole business records from the bar after he was fired.

In addition to killing Phillips, Hoffman is also suspected of robbing a bank in Blaine on Labor Day weekend.

There followed a number of sightings and serious police searches throughout the Twin Cities, leading up to Thursday’s breakthrough.

Police say in their experience people who are on the run simply get tired and don’t want to run anymore, and that may be why Hoffman was arrested without incident.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A Minneapolis man pleaded guilty Friday to multiple criminal sexual conduct charges after investigators say he allegedly drugged and molested a 10-year-old girl during a sleepover.

According to the criminal complaint, 39-year-old Ezra David Taylor hosted a sleepover for his daughter and two of her friends at his residence on the 3500 block of Colfax Avenue South on Aug. 2.

The next day, the parents of one of the girls contacted police to report that their daughter had been molested.

The victim told a forensic investigator that while at her friend’s house, she started to feel sick and dizzy, and vomited twice during the night.

She said Taylor carried her from an upstairs room to the basement once her friends were sleeping. The victim said Taylor then began touching her buttocks as he carried her, and she told him she was “really scared.”

Once in the basement, the victim told police Taylor told her to put on a pair of thong underwear.

Police met with Taylor on Aug. 8, when he confessed to planning the sexual assault. He told investigators that he crushed up Ambien pills and mixed them into the girl’s pop.

He also admitted to making the victim undress before photographing her and molesting her.

Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13 and two counts of second-degree sexual conduct on Friday. He will be sentenced on Nov. 10.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A 28-year-old West St. Paul man faces murder charges in connection to the strangulation death of a 24-year-old woman, according to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.

On Monday afternoon, Marc Anauri Bakambia was charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the Aug. 10, 2014 incident.

On the day of the incident, police officers were dispatched to an apartment located in West St. Paul on the report of a suspicious death. Upon arrival, officers were told a woman that her daughter was dead. Officers found the adult female victim, Dorothy Ann Redd, lying dead on the bed in the master bedroom.

An autopsy later determined that the cause of death was strangulation.

Two days before the incident, Bakambia was charged with interfering with a 911 call and domestic violence against Redd. His condition for release on Aug. 8 was to not have any contact with Redd.

“Our deepest sympathy is expressed to the family and friends of Dorothy Ann Redd for their great loss,” Backstrom said.

Bakambia made his first appearance Monday and bail was set at $1.5 million with conditions and $1 million with conditions. His next appearance is set for Sept. 29 in Hastings.

If convicted, Bakambia could face up to 40 years per charge.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Christopher Rossing was last seen alive in the early hours of Aug. 23 as he was leaving Trouble’s Bar and Restaurant in Howard Lake. After an evening of drinking with some friends he was walking out the door with Robert Nuttall. There had been an argument between Nuttall and his girlfriend, Gwen Butcher.

Nuttall was going to walk home to Hutchinson, heading west along highway 12, with Rossing walking alongside. Surveillance video taken from the nearby Sinclair gas station shows the two men walking along the highway, interacting with a SUV around 1:26 a.m. That’s the last appearance anyone has reported of Rossing.

Bar owner Neil Jastrzebski has posted Rossing’s missing posters on his front windows and says the whole town is upset.

“I think everyone’s got a pretty good opinion that foul play is involved and something really terrible happened to Chris,” Jastrzebski said.

On Monday, Rossing’s friends gathered outside Trouble’s Bar to do yet another search. In addition to the McLeod County Sheriff’s mounted posse that has been combing fields and ditches, the friends are pleading with hunters and farmers to report anything that looks out of place.

“As they (farmers) are taking their fields down and doing things they need to do, if they keep aware and find an article of clothing, report it to the Wright County Sheriff,” Josh Hagebusch said.

On Friday, Nuttall was charged with kidnapping in connection with Rossing’s disappearance. According to Wright County investigators, a fight broke out between Nuttall and Rossing as they were walking home along Highway 12.

Nuttall’s girlfriend, Butcher, pulled up alongside the two driving a Ford Expedition. It appears Nuttall placed the injured Rossing in the backseat. Armed with a search warrant, the vehicle was impounded and investigators discovered Rossing’s blood on the seat.

A search of Nuttall’s cellphone revealed internet searches that were looking for help about how to remove or replace seats in a Ford Expedition.

After dropping Butcher off at the home they shared in rural Hutchinson, Nuttall told investigators that he drove the injured Rossing back to Howard Lake.

That is a story that both investigators and Rossing’s friends simply aren’t buying.

“A man went missing without a trace and we have no idea where he is,” Jastrzebsk said.

Butcher appeared in Wright County court on Monday and is charged with aiding an offender after the fact. Her bail was set at $150,000 without conditions.