Suspect pleads not guilty to sexually assaulting teen girl

Published 2:15 pm Saturday, September 27, 2014

AUSTIN — A former Mower County resident is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

Fernando Chilel, 48, of Marshall, pleaded not guilty Thursday to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim 13 years old or younger.

According to a court complaint, Chilel allegedly tried vaginal intercourse with the girl in an apartment in Austin in late spring or early summer. The victim kicked herself away from Chilel and ran to her room, where she locked the door by putting a chair under the handle. The victim later told a family member and law enforcement was notified in late August.

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Chilel’s next court appearance is March 6. If convicted, Chilel could receive no less than 12 years.