Child Sex Assault Allegation Leads to Jail Time For Rochester Man

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - An incident at a Rochester swimming beach this past summer has put a Rochester man in jail.

Olmsted County court records say 46-year-old Valentin Madrigada Soto was accused of sexually assaulting a young girl while they were both in the water at Foster-Arend Park. The court document says Soto was with the child, her parents, and other family members at the time.

Mother’s Report to Police

The criminal complaint says the victim’s mother told Rochester police that she was swimming with her daughter, who was floating on a tube, when she ran to her vehicle for about two minutes. When she returned, she saw Soto holding her daughter’s tube. The mother also stated that she overheard her daughter telling Soto, “I’m going to tell my mom and dad what you did.”

According to the court document, the victim told her parents that Soto had touched her inappropriately while they were both in the swimming area. The girl also told her parents that Soto offered to give her money if she didn’t tell anyone.

The criminal complaint says the child gave a similar account of the events during a later interview with law enforcement. Soto denied the allegations.

Alford Plea to Gross Misdemeanor Charge Through a Plea Deal

He was charged with one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, but through a plea agreement, Soto entered an Alford plea to a gross misdemeanor charge of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct last month. An Alford plea means Soto does not admit guilt but acknowledges there is enough evidence for a conviction.

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He was sentenced this week to 180 days in jail, with credit for the 133 days he has already spent in custody. Soto will be required to register as a predatory offender.