MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 53-year-old Coon Rapids man has been charged with allegedly taking pictures of young boys while they were changing at area YMCAs in the north Twin Cities metro, according to the Anoka County Attorney’s Office.
Robert Dennis Minor now faces one count of stalking a victim under 18 with sexual or aggressive intent, two counts of use of minors in a sexual performance and four counts of possession of pornographic work involving minors – all felonies.
Minor was arrested Saturday on suspicion of interference with privacy and possession of child pornography in connection with the incident.
Police say on Feb. 24, a 12-year-old boy told his parents that while he was changing in the Andover YMCA, a man later identified as Minor allegedly used a wrist watch with video and photo capability to take pictures of the boy while he was changing. Authorities searched Minor’s home on Saturday and found that watch near a computer. Police said Minor lives with his parents.
A search of his computer showed several young boys in the various stages of changing clothes at the YMCA facilities in Andover and Coon Rapids. They also found child pornography on his computer that they do not believe he produced.
“This case is very disturbing because the defendant allegedly preyed on young boys in such a secretive way,” stated Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo. “If these charges are proven, we will advocate for a severe sentence, as we believe this is outrageous conduct.”
Minor’s bail is set at $500,000 without conditions and $250,000 with conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 3.
The investigation is continuing.
