The charge follows allegations of unwanted sexual contact involving a relative at a Mahnomen County residence.<\/p>\n
According to a criminal complaint, the reported incident occurred during the early morning hours of July 16, 2026.<\/p>\n
The case is filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.<\/p>\n
Relative Reports Alleged Sexual Contact<\/h2>\n
Law enforcement received a report concerning a past sexual assault around 5:22 p.m. on July 16.<\/p>\n
An officer responded to a Mahnomen County residence and interviewed the person who reported the incident.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, the complainant identified Harding as a relative who regularly visited the residence.<\/p>\n
The complainant reported that Harding had requested permission to spend the night.<\/p>\n
Such overnight visits reportedly occurred approximately twice each month.<\/p>\n
During the visit, Harding allegedly spent time in the bathroom before sitting on the kitchen floor.<\/p>\n
The complainant told investigators that Harding appeared to be behaving unusually.<\/p>\n
Concerned about his condition, the complainant reportedly offered to contact emergency services.<\/p>\n
Harding declined the offer, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
Complaint Describes Unwanted Physical Contact<\/h2>\n
The complainant alleged that Harding later entered the living room partially undressed and made a sexually explicit statement.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Harding then touched the complainant’s buttocks without consent.<\/p>\n
The complainant also alleged that Harding pushed him onto a bed positioned on the living room floor.<\/p>\n
The reported physical contact forms the basis of the criminal sexual conduct allegation.<\/p>\n
The complaint does not describe additional sexual contact beyond the reported actions.<\/p>\n
Complainant Requests Assistance<\/h2>\n
According to court documents, the complainant contacted another person around 12:30 a.m.<\/p>\n
The complainant requested that the person come to the residence and pick up Harding.<\/p>\n
The person arrived, and Harding left the residence.<\/p>\n
The incident was later reported to law enforcement for investigation.<\/p>\n
The supplied complaint does not describe any medical examination or physical evidence collected during the investigation.<\/p>\n
Fifth-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct Charge<\/h2>\n
Harding faces one count of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving alleged nonconsensual sexual contact.<\/p>\n
The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.3451, subdivision 1a(1)<\/a>.<\/p>\n The offense is classified as a gross misdemeanor under the cited provision.<\/p>\n The criminal complaint lists a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n Any sentence would depend on a conviction and the court’s sentencing decision.<\/p>\n The criminal case is filed under Mahnomen County Court File No. 44-CR-26-508.<\/p>\n The complaint was issued as a summons.<\/p>\n No future hearing date or final case outcome appears in the supplied document.<\/p>\n Readers can search public case information through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The charge remains an allegation and does not establish guilt.<\/p>\n Harding is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nMahnomen County Court Proceedings<\/h2>\n
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