Mentor (trfnews.i234.me) — A Mentor, Minnesota, man entered an Alford plea on Tuesday, April 7, in a criminal sexual conduct case. Francisco Arellano, 38, pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Under an Alford plea, a defendant maintains innocence but admits prosecutors likely have enough evidence to win at trial.
Plea Entered In District Court
Arellano changed his plea as part of a proposed agreement. That agreement would give him a 72-month stayed sentence. It would also place him on supervised probation for 15 years. Under Minnesota law, third-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.
Arellano still maintains a not guilty plea to first-degree criminal sexual conduct. That more serious charge would be dismissed if the court accepts the plea agreement. Information on that charge can be found under Minnesota statute.
Case Details From Investigators
According to the probable cause statement, a minor spoke with law enforcement on May 1, 2024. She reported sexual contact with Arellano while they worked together at a restaurant in Mentor. Investigators said the incident happened on April 28, 2024.
The court document says the sexual contact allegedly happened in exchange for a vape pen. The minor told investigators that Arellano knew her age. She said her age was listed on her job application. She also said they had discussed it before.
Surveillance video also supported the claim, according to the statement. Investigators said the footage showed the two leaving the building close together. The footage then showed them entering a nearby shed.
Investigators also said the video showed Arellano leaving the restaurant and then returning. He was later seen taking something from his pocket. The statement says he placed it under a counter. The minor was later seen taking something from that same spot.
Sentencing Set For June
Sentencing is scheduled for 1 p.m. on June 22. A judge will decide whether to accept the proposed plea agreement. More information about Minnesota court procedures is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
The case remains pending until sentencing is complete. Court outcomes can still change before that hearing.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.