Detroit Lakes Man Gets Probation in Sex Contact Case

Detroit Lakes (trfnews.i234.me) — Kyle Ryan Francis, 46, received a stay of adjudication in Becker County District Court.

The case involved a felony fifth-degree criminal sexual contact charge. A gross misdemeanor count was dismissed under the plea agreement.

Investigation Began in 2023

Court records say the investigation began on Aug. 27, 2023. A Clay County detective handled the case for Becker County.

The detective interviewed an identified juvenile girl about two reported incidents in Audubon. The incidents allegedly occurred in June and July 2022.

A forensic interview took place at Red River Children’s Advocacy Center on Aug. 21, 2023.

The girl said she attended Audubon Summer Fest during late June 2022. She later drove Francis home because he had been drinking heavily.

She reported that Francis touched her inappropriately several times.

Kyle Ryan Francis

The girl also described another incident around July 23, 2022. She said she visited Francis’ home with a friend.

The group watched a movie before two juveniles slept in the living room. She reported waking while Francis touched her over her clothing.

Court Grants Stay of Adjudication

On June 15, District Judge Gretchen Thilmony granted a stay of adjudication.

The case can be dismissed after Francis successfully completes probation.

He was placed on supervised probation for four years. He must serve 60 days through electronic home monitoring.

Francis must pay for the monitoring and receives no good-time credit. The court also imposed a $500 fine.

Contact and Treatment Conditions

Francis cannot drink alcohol or use illegal drugs. He must have no contact with the juvenile involved in the case.

He cannot have unsupervised contact with females under 18.

Francis must complete a psychological-sexual evaluation and follow all recommendations. Those recommendations may include treatment and aftercare.

He must also complete a comprehensive assessment and follow its recommendations.

The court ordered cognitive skills training and behavioral programming when directed. Francis must follow every probation condition during the four-year term.

More information about state courts is available from the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Child advocacy resources are available through the National Children’s Alliance.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.