May 13, 2021
NEW ULM A jury trial for a 19-year-old Mankato man accused of three counts of criminal sexual conduct at the New Ulm Econo Lodge last August began in Brown County District Court Tuesday. Jury selection was held and a jury of seven women and five men was seated.
Malachi H. Rodriguez, 408 W. 7th St., Mankato, faces felony third and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charges plus a gross misdemeanor fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct charge.
According to the complaint, New Ulm Police talked with a man Aug. 12, 2020, who said his daughter said she was sexually assaulted by Rodriguez on Aug. 8, 2020, at the Econo Lodge. The man said his daughter initially didn’t want to tell anyone about the assault because she was afraid about spoiling a family wedding in New Ulm.
fbusch@nujournal.com
NEW ULM A 39-year-old New Ulm woman faces three felony charges including receiving more than $5,000 worth of stolen property stemming from a March stolen vehicle and stolen property case in New Ulm and Blue Earth County.
Two counts of felony possession of ammunition or firearm, liable for crimes of another and one count of felony receiving more than $5,000 worth of stolen property, were filed against Thea M. Spillane, 322 State St. N., in Brown County District Court May 3. A first appearance was set for 8:30 a.m., June 1.
According to court documents, the Blue Earth County Sheriff contacted New Ulm Police March 8, regarding a stolen vehicle and stolen property located at 322 State St. N.
fbusch@nujournal.com
NEW ULM A four-day jury trial began Tuesday for a 39-year-old Hanska man accused of sexually abusing a child between Jan. 31, 1999, and Jan. 30, 2002.
Five felony counts of first and second-degree criminal sexual conduct were filed Nov. 7, 2019, in Brown County District Court against Christopher Lee Konakowitz of Hanska. The accuser told investigators she was between age four and six when the sexual abuse occurred. Konakowitz was 18-20 years old at the time, according to court documents.
A jury of seven women and five men were selected Tuesday. The trial is scheduled through Friday.
In his opening argument Wednesday, defense attorney Thomas K. Hagen of Mankato said Konakowitz denies the allegations, saying they lack a number of details and the State relies on assumptions.
Schoenborn
NEW ULM A 54-year-old rural Winthrop man was arrested April 23 near New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC) after police noticed a particular sign among several messages on the outside of his vehicle.
A felony threats of violence and misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge were filed in Brown County District Court Monday against Ronald H. Schoenborn, 52895 330th Street, Winthrop. Bail without conditions was set at $100,000 ($10,000 with conditions) Monday. Conditions include no leaving Minnesota without written, court approval, no contact with victims, not entering New Ulm Medical Center except for a medical emergency, and no threats of violence. A court hearing was set for 9:30 a.m. May 4.
Benjarano
NEW ULM Law enforcement is looking for a 38-year-old Hanska man accused of entering a New Ulm residence and assaulting a person March 26, 2021.
Four felonies, including two counts of first-degree burglary, second and third-degree burglary plus gross misdemeanor fifth-degree assault within three years of previous conviction were filed against Jason R. Bejarano, 17 Broadway, Hanska in Brown County District Court Friday.
According to court documents, New Ulm Police were dispatched to 1001 Minnesota St. N. at 6:05 a.m. March 26 for a reported domestic disturbance. Officer Eric Byro arrived a short time later, heard screaming from the outside and entered the residence.