Grand Forks Man Faces 3 Felonies in Park Case
EAST GRAND FORKS (trfnews.i234.me) — A Grand Forks man faces three felony charges in Polk County District Court.
Kristian Michael Akins, 26, was charged Friday with first-degree criminal sexual conduct. He also faces two felony charges involving sexual images and electronic messages.
Akins remains in custody while the case moves through court. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Police Responded to Sherlock Park
According to the criminal complaint, police were called to Sherlock Park around 9:37 p.m. on July 23.
The report involved two people near a tree line. Officers found Akins with a 13-year-old girl.
Both initially denied sexual contact, according to the complaint. Akins then allowed police to review his phone.
Investigators reported finding affectionate messages between Akins and the girl. They also found sexually explicit images exchanged through electronic communication.
Akins was arrested after officers reviewed the phone. He later agreed to speak with investigators after receiving a Miranda warning.
Complaint Describes Multiple Alleged Incidents
The complaint states Akins admitted to repeated sexual contact with the girl. The alleged incidents occurred during nearly two weeks.
Investigators said the pair met through Snapchat on July 10, 2026. The girl reported several incidents between July 11 and July 22.
All alleged incidents happened at Sherlock Park, according to the complaint. The girl later received a sexual assault examination in Fargo.
No trial date was listed in the information provided. Court updates may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Three Felony Charges Filed
Akins is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct. That charge carries a 12-year minimum prison term under the complaint.
The maximum possible sentence is 30 years in prison. Sentencing would occur only after a conviction.
He also faces a felony charge of possessing child sexual abuse material. A third felony alleges distribution of explicit material to a child.
People seeking support after sexual abuse can contact the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.