Man sentenced to probation for sex crime

Published 9:57 am Wednesday, August 15, 2012

A Clarks Grove man was sentenced to 10 years of probation Monday for soliciting a 12-year-old child to engage in sexual conduct.

Kikham Sayaphet, 39, pleaded guilty to the count in April in Freeborn County District Court.

The plea was classified as an Alford plea, in which the defendant maintains his innocence but admits the prosecutor has enough evidence to convict, usually for stiffer penalties.

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Sayaphet initially also faced one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct; however, that count was dismissed with his plea.

Freeborn County District Judge Steve Schwab said Sayaphet will receive credit for 325 days already served in the Freeborn County jail.

He must also adhere to a series of conditions as part of his probation.

According to court documents, the incident took place when Sayaphet was living in Albert Lea, at 513 Fourth St.

The victim, who lives in Shakopee, was visiting Albert Lea the weekend of the incident.

Court documents referred to inappropriate conduct in a bedroom of the house after Sayaphet had come home from work late one night.