A 65-year-old Albert Lea man known for his roles directing and acting in local theater on Tuesday pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor.

Glen Charles Parsons, a retired school teacher, initially faced charges of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a gross misdemeanor, tied to a report that he allegedly touched a 30-year-old man while showering in the locker room at the Albert Lea Family Y last March.

“He has always felt that this was a huge misunderstanding, and this agreement avoids the trial and having to deal with all of that,” said Parsons’ lawyer Kevin Siefken. “It’s been a real hard thing for Glen and his family over the past year.”

Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson called the plea an appropriate one for the case given the facts. He noted that the
accuser agreed with the resolution.

Court documents state the incident took place March 8, 2013. The victim identified Parsons in a photo lineup and noted that he had only met him a few days prior.

When interviewed by police, Parsons at first stated he had touched the man’s back and leg and told the detective he thought the situation was misinterpreted, according to court files. He denied inappropriately touching the man otherwise, but later in the interview, he changed his course and admitted to police that he committed the act, adding that “he wasn’t thinking.”

Parsons is scheduled for sentencing May 1.