Rochester Man Accused of Repeatedly Sexually Assaulting Impaired Woman, Preventing her from Leaving

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man is facing multiple felonies for an alleged series of sexual assault. 

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The alleged sexual assaults began in November of last year.

He was charged in the case by warrant on Friday. Olmsted County Adult Detention Center records indicate he was booked into jail Saturday morning. 

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Rochester police first encountered the victim when they responded to a park in northwest Rochester on the report of a female yelling for help and a male’s voice last December. 

The complaint says the victim was, “was scared, shaking, and appeared to have been crying.” Investigators were able to speak with the victim in late January. 

Rochester Man Accused of Repeatedly Sexually Assaulting Impaired Woman, Preventing Her from Leaving

She told police that 51-year-old Robert John Dunham picked up her and a friend in his party van while they were out in downtown Rochester in November. 

She said Dunham had added her on Snapchat in May of last year and that she previously knew Dunham. The charges state Dunham picked up the victim and her friend from a bar, dropped her friend off and drove them to his home. 

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The victim said she lost consciousness after consuming substances offered by Dunham and that Dunham informed her the next morning that they had sex, the charges say. 

Payments Followed Alleged Sexual Assaults

Investigators learned that Dunham sent the victim money on multiple occasions. The court document states he would pay her $2,000 after they had sex. 

The victim said she was often impaired when they had sex and that she would find out about it after the fact when Dunham paid her and said they had sex, the charges say.

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).

She also told police she never consented to having sex with Dunham, according to the complaint. 

Search Warrant Leads to Discovery of Disturbing Videos

Police executed a search warrant at Dunham's home and spotted numerous inside and outside of the residence. Police found multiple videos on Dunham’s phone depicting him and the victim having sex, the charges say. 

One of the videos showed the victim appearing to be unconscious, the complaint says. Other videos indicated the victim was intoxicated during the alleged sex assaults, according to the complaint.

Dunham is also seen in videos offering the victim $2,000 to hang out with him and physically preventing her from leaving a room, the court document says. 

Photos of Victim Also Discovered

Investigators also found photos of Dunham received of the victim in public that appeared to have been taken without the victim’s knowledge.

The victim told police she had  blocked Dunham but was met by people associated with him at her work, the charges state. 

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She said Dunham would send her flowers and offered to pay her if she hung out with him. He would also give her cash while she was working, the complaint says.

Dunham is charged with false imprisonment and third-degree criminal sexual conduct. His first court appearance has not yet been scheduled.