Wadena: Lennon charged with sex conduct, assault

Wadena: Lennon charged with sex conduct, assault
Wadena: Lennon charged with sex conduct, assault

Wadena County (trfnews.i234.me) — John Patrick Lennon, 39, of Wadena, is facing three felony charges in district court.

Court records list two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. They also list one count of felony domestic assault.

The charges were filed in Wadena County District Court on Feb. 3, 2026. The case follows an investigation by the Wadena Police Department.

What the complaint alleges

According to the complaint, the alleged offenses happened on or about Oct. 15, 2025. The location listed is Wadena, Minnesota.

Prosecutors allege the criminal sexual conduct counts involve a victim who was 16 or 17. The complaint cites a “significant relationship” factor.

Court records also reference allegations of more than one act. The filing does not include the victim’s name.

Wadena: Lennon charged with sex conduct, assault
Wadena: Lennon charged with sex conduct, assault

About the charges

Minnesota law defines third-degree criminal sexual conduct in section 609.344. The statute includes situations involving a victim under 18.

One provision applies when the accused has a significant relationship to a 16- or 17-year-old complainant. Readers can review the statute text online.

Felony domestic assault is covered in section 609.2242, subdivision 4. That felony provision generally addresses repeat domestic violence-related offenses within ten years.

Charges are accusations. Lennon is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Next court date

The defendant was charged by summons, according to court records. A first appearance is scheduled for March 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

No bail amount appears in the public listing yet. Bail and release conditions are often discussed at early hearings.

How to follow the case

Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online. Use the state’s MCRO Case Search.

Statute references: 609.344 and 609.2242.

For courthouse information, see the Minnesota Judicial Branch page for Wadena County District Court.

Help and resources

If you need support, help is available. Minnesota Day One offers a free, confidential crisis line at 1-866-223-1111.

The Minnesota Crime Victim Support Line is also available at 866-385-2699. In an emergency, call 911.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

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