Wrenshall man charged in sex assault of preteen

A 55-year-old Wrenshall man remained in Carlton County Jail this week following his arrest June 26 on multiple felony charges of criminal sexual

conduct.

Kevin Lee Young was charged in Sixth District Court in Carlton on June 28 with first-degree criminal sexual conduct — penetration or contact with a person under 14, and felony solicitation of a child to engage in sexual conduct.

Aggravating circumstances, including being more than 36 months older than the victim, mean Young faces 30 years in prison and up to a $40,000 fine for the first offense. The second charge comes with a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint filed in District Court, Young was caring for an 11-year-old and a sibling on June 25 when the alleged assault took place in his trailer home.

Following what was described as “a sleepover,” the victim reported to their mother that Young repeatedly touched and rubbed them over their clothes and between their legs. He is also alleged to have shown the child his penis, from which they shielded their eyes, according to a forensic interview conducted shortly after the mother notified authorities.

Additionally, Young is alleged to have whispered in the child’s ear, asking if he could take a picture of their private parts and that, if allowed, he would not touch them any further.

The alleged victim reported seeing images of girls under 19 years old on Young’s phone, as he would take screenshots while the children were present and zoom in on the photos.

At one point during the assault, Young is alleged to have told the child he was “going to jail.”

When confronted by authorities, Young confirmed the children stayed overnight at his home, but denied the allegations. His cell phone was seized by authorities when he was placed under arrest.

Young is scheduled for a remote hearing at 9:45 a.m. July 17 in front of Judge Amy Lukasavitz. His bail was set at $100,000.