Man faces sex assault charges

Published 9:23 am Wednesday, June 26, 2013

An Albert Lea man is facing first- and third-degree criminal sexual conduct charges for allegedly raping a woman in March.

Joshua Andrew Bryand, 33, had been drinking with the woman, his wife and another man late March 22 and early March 23 prior to the alleged assault, which took place after the group went to sleep for the night at Bryand’s house, 1306 Fountain St.

Joshua Bryand

Joshua Bryand

The woman — an acquaintance — reportedly fled on foot from the house after the alleged incident and was seen by two Albert Lea police officers running down Main Street, east of First Avenue, in a short-sleeved shirt, according to court files.

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When the officers approached the woman and offered to give her a ride to Wells Fargo bank — where she was going to be picked up by two friends — she declined and continued running down the street.

Court files state officers described the woman as having a strong odor of alcohol on her breath and noted that she said that someone was following her.

The woman’s friends picked her up at the bank and took her to the Austin emergency room, after which she was taken to a Rochester hospital for a sexual assault exam. DNA found in the exam traced back to Bryand, according to reports.

Bryand posted a $25,000 non-cash bond Monday and is free on bail. He is next slated to appear in Freeborn County District Court July 25.

First-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.