Rochester Man Gets Probation in Indecent Exposure Case
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man who was convicted of third-degree criminal sexual conduct as a juvenile has been sentenced to probation following a gross misdemeanor indecent exposure conviction.
According to Olmsted County court records, 28-year-old Ethan Hunter Johnson was living in a Rochester group home when he was accused of exposing himself to a child and attempting to sexually assault the girl, who was under 14 at the time.
Plea Agreement Resulted in Dismissal of Two Felony Charges
Just before his trial was scheduled to begin in May of this year, Johnson entered into a plea agreement and admitted to the gross misdemeanor indecent exposure charge in exchange for the dismissal of felony first- and second-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct charges.
Criminal Complaint Describes Alleged Incident at Rochester group home
The criminal complaint says a woman working at the group home had taken her child to a medical appointment. The woman brought her daughter with her when she returned to the facility after the appointment to finish her work shift. The court document says the woman told police that her daughter was playing “hide-and-seek” with Johnson when the incident occurred in January of last year.
The charges allege that Johnson pulled down his pants and exposed himself to the child before attempting to remove her clothing.
Johnson has been sentenced to two years of probation for the gross misdemeanor conviction.
Previous Juvenile Conviction Stemmed From 2015 Winona County Offense
His previous juvenile conviction for felony criminal sexual conduct stemmed from an offense committed in Winona County in 2015. He was sentenced to one year of probation, with a 57-month stayed prison sentence. Johnson was also required to register as a predatory offender.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, resources are available for help. Visit the RAINN website (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) or dial 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673).
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Gallery Credit: Carly Ross
