Wells man pleads not guilty to break-in, sexual assault

Published 10:17 am Tuesday, August 16, 2016

A Wells man pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct Friday in Faribault County District Court.

Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson

Samuel Adam Johnson, 20, also pleaded not guilty to one count of first-degree burglary.

Johnson allegedly broke into a residence and sexually assaulted a woman July 3 in Wells.

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Court documents state before the alleged incident, Johnson sent a Snapchat message to the alleged victim telling her he wanted to come over. She reportedly told him she barely knew him and did not want him to come over.

Johnson reportedly said he knew the window to her room and was going to come over anyway.

Court documents state Johnson “appeared very nervous” when officers later went to his residence. He claimed he did not know where he had been earlier in the day and denied knowledge of the alleged sexual assault.

After being arrested and transported to Faribault County Law Enforcement Center, Johnson admitted to going to the alleged victim’s residence and using the roof to crawl into her window, court records state. He also reportedly admitted to having sexual intercourse with the alleged victim. He said he thought his actions were permissible because she was older than 18, court records state.

First-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $40,000 fine and a mandatory minimum 12-year prison sentence.

First-degree burglary carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $35,000 fine and a mandatory minimum six-month sentence.

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

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