HALSTAD — The mayor of Halstad is accused of forcing a female acquaintance to have sex with him last week.

Steve Sortland, 44, was charged Wednesday with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

According to the complaint, an employee at the Halstad Cenex called the Norman County sheriff’s office Thursday to report a distraught woman was at the store. Court documents say the woman told deputies she wanted to report something but was afraid for the safety of her children.

The woman sought medical treatment at an emergency room.

Sortland said in court he needs more time to hire an attorney. Bail was set at $75,000.