Mahnomen County (trfnews.i234.me) — A California man is facing a felony charge in Mahnomen County District Court.
Christian Daniel Sturba, 47, of North Hollywood, California, is charged with fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The charge was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. The court file number is 44-CR-26-157.
The charge stems from a reported incident on May 24, 2025. It allegedly happened at Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen.
Under Minnesota Statute 609.3451, the charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. It may also carry a $10,000 fine, or both.
Complaint Details Alleged Encounter
According to the complaint, a 19-year-old woman reported a nonconsensual sexual encounter at the casino hotel.
The woman told investigators she was at the casino with her boyfriend and his mother.
She said she later went to play more games. She then went to the hotel’s second floor.
The complaint says two men connected to a band spoke with her in the hallway.
The woman reported that she felt scared and went with them to a hotel room.
One man later left the room, according to the complaint. Sturba allegedly remained with her.
The woman told investigators Sturba tried to have sex with her. She said she told him she wanted to leave.
She also said she asked to use the bathroom. The complaint says she later asked Candice Lane Nelson for help.
Surveillance Video Reviewed
Investigators reviewed casino surveillance video, according to the complaint.
The video allegedly showed the woman and two men meeting in a hotel hallway.
It also showed the woman entering a room, then later leaving with the suspect.
The complaint says the two later entered an elevator. The suspect allegedly tried to kiss her.
The woman turned away, according to the complaint.
She then entered a women’s bathroom. Nelson also entered the bathroom.
The complaint says Nelson spoke to the suspect. He then entered the men’s bathroom.
Nelson and the woman later went to the security desk.
Defendant Denied Force
Investigators later spoke with Sturba at the hotel.
Sturba said he was in town because he played in a Guns N’ Roses tribute band.
He told investigators the encounter was flirtatious. He denied using force.
According to the complaint, Sturba said the two kissed and removed clothing.
He also admitted oral sex occurred, according to the complaint.
The complaint says Sturba declined to provide a voluntary DNA sample.
Investigators said evidence from a medical exam was sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Public court records can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
A criminal complaint is not a conviction. Sturba is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
