MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 54-year-old man is accused of criminal sexual conduct against a female limousine driver in Apple Valley in late February, according to charges filed Monday in Dakota County Court.
Robert Michael Nielsen was charged with one gross misdemeanor count of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct in connection with the Feb. 25 incident.
According to the charges, Apple Valley Police were called to a service station on Feb. 25 on Galaxie Avenue on a report of an intoxicated male. When authorities arrived, they spoke with a female limousine driver at the scene. She told police she picked up a man, identified as Nielsen, to bring home home.
The complaint states Nielsen couldn’t remember his address, refused to show her his driver’s license and directed her to the area of 157th and Galaxie. He then moved closer to the front seat, put his right hand on her shoulder and touched the woman on her left breast. The woman shoved his hand away and told him not to touch her.
She told him she was going to drop him off at a service station. He then pulled out $20, told her to keep driving, grabbed her face and tried to kiss her, the complaint states. He also told her she was beautiful.
The woman stopped at a nearby service station and waited inside until police arrived. Officers questioned him about a sexual assault and he responded by saying “I’ve done nothing to anyone,” according to the complaint.
If convicted, Nielsen faces up to a year in jail and a $3,000 fine.
