Local man faces sexual assault charges

A Red Wing man is accused of sexually assaulting a mentally impaired teenage girl earlier this year at his apartment.

Earl Lee Young, 61, has been charged in Goodhue County District Court with third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Young allegedly touched the girl inappropriately during several incidents in February and March, according to a criminal complaint filed last month.

The 16-year-old victim told authorities she and her mother would visit Young at his apartment. The alleged assaults happened after the mother left, the complaint stated.

Young told authorities the victim allegedly took her own clothes off and that he told her "if you feel uncomfortable, I'll stop," the complaint states.

The victim said Young undressed her and that she denied his requests to have sex with her, according to the complaint.

The victim, according to the complaint, is classified as vulnerable and lacks the judgement to give a reasoned consent to sexual contact or sexual penetration.

The complaint states her IQ is 62 and she has been diagnosed with a mild case of mental retardation.

Young makes his first court appearance today. He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison and a $50,000 if convicted of both charges.

Tags: local news, crimes and court, sexual assault, news