1-28-2013: Mistrial declared in rape case

A mistrial has been declared in the case of a 19-year-old Pine Island man accused of raping his ex-girlfriend. Joseph Daniel Carlson faced one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Closing arguments were heard late Wednesday morning with Judge Thomas Bibus presiding. A jury of three women and 11 men began deliberations Wednesday afternoon, but failed to agree on a verdict by Thursday afternoon.

Charges were filed in the case July 16. Carlson allegedly invited his ex-girlfriend, 17, to his mother’s house in Pine Island and then raped her.

Goodhue County Assistant Attorney Erin Kuester argued in a trial that began Jan. 17 that Carlson used force, injuring the girl in the process. Defense attorney Doug Bayley argued that Carlson had consensual sex with the girl, but that she later said she was raped because was afraid of repercussions from her strict mother.

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