Charges Dropped in Olmsted County Rape Case
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Olmsted County Attorney’s Office has dismissed felony criminal sexual conduct charges filed against a Red Wing man in 2021.
23-year-old Jason Benson was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in Stewartville in September of 2021. He was charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and third-degree criminal sexual conduct in November of that year.
Prosecuting attorney’s filed the motion to dismiss the charges against Benson on Monday. Court documents say the reason for the dismissal was in the “interest of justice.”
The judge in the case approved a defense motion to suppress statements Bensen gave investigators regarding his interaction with the girl. The girl reported the alleged sexual assault to her mother who then contacted the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office.
The criminal complaint in the case says Benson “admitted to having sex with the victim at Bear Cave Park, but said his memory was not very good.” He also told investigators it was consensual.
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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