Taopi man sentenced to probation after sexually assaulting teen

(ABC 6 News) – Trenton Charles Robert Erickson received a 10-year probation sentence after pleading guilty to 3rd-degree criminal sexual conduct, including penetration, with a 14-year-old.

According to Minnesota Court Records, Erickson, 19, could be re-sentenced to 36 months at the MN Correctional Center in St. Cloud if he violates the terms of his probation, which include registering as a predatory offender, avoiding contact with juveniles unless approved by a probation officer, and attending sex offender treatment.

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(ABC 6 News) – A Taopi man pleaded guilty to one count of 3rd-degree criminal sexual conduct–penetration with a 14-year-old in Mower County Court Friday.

An additional charge of 3rd-degree criminal sexual conduct–uses coercion or force was dismissed as part of Trenton Charles Robert Erickson’s plea.

Erickson, 18, was accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old juvenile in Grand Meadow in September of 2022.

According to court documents, the minor told Mower County deputies that Erickson made comments about her being four years younger than him and him not wanting to “get in trouble,” then raped her despite protests and attempts to get away.

According to court documents, Erickson later claimed to law enforcement that the two had sex, but he thought the minor was “almost 16,” or 15 years old.

According to Erickson’s plea agreement, he will receive a “presumptive” probation sentence, with no further jail time, as long as he follows the conditions of his release and remains law-abiding.

Erickson was previously arrested on a warrant after failing to appear in court for a scheduled hearing April 3.

Erickson’s sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 4.