Man Charged with Sexually Assaulting Runaway Teen in Minnesota

Strategic Insights -

A 25-year-old man, Joshua Patrick Baxter, has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct against a 13-year-old runaway teen. The incident occurred on July 10, when a Minnesota State Patrol trooper stopped Baxter's vehicle, a black pickup, after he had pulled over due to a flat tire. The trooper was aware of a report of a missing juvenile and found Baxter and the teenager together in the backseat. During questioning, the teen stated that she had met Baxter on Snapchat a few weeks prior and that he had taken her to his home for the weekend, where they had engaged in sexual activity. Baxter initially denied any further contact, but later admitted to the allegations. He was arraigned and released on a $10,000 bond with pretrial supervision conditions and was ordered not to have any contact with the teen.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joshua Patrick Baxter, 25, of St. Paul, has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct against a 13-year-old runaway teen.
  • The incident occurred on July 10, when a Minnesota State Patrol trooper stopped Baxter's vehicle due to a flat tire.
  • The teen had met Baxter on Snapchat and agreed to meet him in Minneapolis, but instead of going to her home, he took her to his home for the weekend.
  • The teen reported that she was naked in the backseat with Baxter engaging in sexual activity.
  • Baxter initially denied any further contact, but later admitted to the allegations.
  • He was arraigned and released on a $10,000 bond with pretrial supervision conditions and was ordered not to have any contact with the teen.
  • Baxter has a limited criminal history, consisting of two impaired driving convictions.
  • He is scheduled to appear in court on September 17.

Statistics:

  • The victim was 13 years old at the time of the incident.
  • The defendant, Joshua Patrick Baxter, is 25 years old.
  • The incident occurred on July 10.
  • Baxter was released on a $10,000 bond.
  • Baxter has two impaired driving convictions in his criminal history.
  • The teen was reportedly "very young" looking when seen by the trooper.

Sources:

  • Duluth News Tribune, "Man accused of sexually assaulting runaway teen" (no date provided)
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC, distributed by their local affiliate.