A.L. man charged with kidnapping, criminal sexual conduct against vulnerable adult

Published 4:18 pm Friday, April 28, 2017

An Albert Lea man who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman last weekend was charged with multiple felonies Friday in Freeborn County District Court.

Ryan Ervin Whelan, 34, is charged with felony kidnapping and two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Ryan Ervin Whelan

Court documents state Whelan was charged after law enforcement officers responded April 23 to a report of a missing woman. The woman is reportedly a vulnerable adult with a diminished mental capacity.

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Once the alleged victim returned home, she reportedly stated a man had offered to take her home from an Albert Lea bar, but instead of doing so had taken her back to his residence and raped her.

Court documents state Whelan told law enforcement he took the woman to his home and denied sexually assaulting her. He said they had consensual sexual contact. He reportedly admitted knowing that the woman was mentally challenged and did not speak well.

Judge Gerald Wolf set conditional bail for Whelan at $100,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 11.

Kidnapping carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $35,000 fine. Third-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.

About Sam Wilmes

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

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