POLK COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – In a dramatic courtroom scene, Ilia Grigory Basargin of Fertile, Minnesota, stood before the judge on Thursday, April 18, and firmly pleaded not guilty to second-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.
The 32-year-old was embroiled in controversy after being accused of engaging in sexual conduct with two juvenile girls, one under 12 and the other under 9, as revealed in a disturbing probable cause statement filed in the case. Basargin’s defense took a surprising turn when he claimed to law enforcement that he was intoxicated that day and blacked out, only to awaken to a chaotic scene of people yelling and kicking him. He professed uncertainty about the events that transpired during his blackout.
Despite his plea, Basargin faces the grim prospect of up to 20 years in prison for the felony charge, which was officially lodged against him in November. With the omnibus hearing waived, all eyes are now on the upcoming pre-trial scheduled for May 30, where further legal proceedings will unfold.
This case has sent shockwaves through the community, igniting conversations about the safety of minors and the responsibility of individuals to be held accountable for their actions.