Mahnomen Sex Assault Case Filed Against Smith

Justin Raymond Leo Smith, 21, of Twin Valley, is charged in court file 44-CR-25-382. The complaint lists Smith as also known as Ashley. It also notes Smith may identify using she/her or they/them pronouns.

The charges stem from an alleged March 2, 2024, incident at the Shooting Star Hotel in Mahnomen County. The case was filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District.

Charges Filed In Mahnomen County

Smith is charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct. The charge alleges sexual penetration using coercion.

That charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. It also carries a possible $30,000 fine, or both.

Smith is also charged with attempted third-degree criminal sexual conduct. That charge carries a maximum sentence of 7.5 years in prison. It also carries a possible $15,000 fine, or both.

More information on Minnesota’s third-degree criminal sexual conduct law is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes. Minnesota’s attempt statute is also posted by the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

Complaint Details Allegations

According to the complaint, the alleged victim told law enforcement that Smith was a former boyfriend. She said the alleged assault happened after she went to the casino to see family.

The complaint says she did not have money for a room. She asked Smith if she could stay in Smith’s room for the night.

The woman told investigators she had her six-week-old infant with her. She said she made a bed on the floor and called her current boyfriend.

According to the complaint, she later moved onto the bed to watch television. She alleged that Smith then tried to have sex with her.

The complaint says she told Smith “no” more than once. She also said she told Smith to stop.

Investigators wrote that the alleged victim reported that Smith restrained her during the assault. She said her baby later began crying, which helped her regain control.

The woman said she left the room with her baby and called her mother. She later returned to gather her things.

According to the complaint, Smith then allegedly tried to assault her again. The woman said she was able to stop the second attempt and moved away.

Court Case Remains Pending

The complaint states Smith contacted law enforcement on March 10, 2025. It also says investigators later tried to locate and contact Smith.

Court records and case information may be reviewed through Minnesota Court Records Online. Mahnomen County District Court information is available from the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.