Austin Man Accused of Break-In and Sexual Assault

Austin, MN (KROC-AM News) - A 22-year-old Austin man is facing felony charges in connection with the report of a break-in and sexual assault early Monday.

Arraigned on Felony Charges

Joshua Stephen Swank was arraigned in Mower County court today on two counts of first-degree burglary and a gross misdemeanor charge of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct. His conditional bail was set at $25,000.

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Break-in and Assault Reported Early Monday

According to the criminal complaint, Austin police were dispatched to a home shortly before 2:30 a.m. Monday after receiving a report that a man had entered the residence and gone into a bedroom, where he allegedly sexually assaulted a sleeping woman. When the responding officers arrived, they reported finding the visibly upset and crying woman.

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Victim Recognized the Intruder

The court document includes the victim's description of the assault and how she managed to push the intruder out of the home and lock the door. It also states that the victim was able to identify Swank because he was a friend of her adult son, but indicated that he had not been to their home for years.

Alcohol Involved

When police caught up with Swank after he walked away from the residence, the criminal complaint says he indicated he had been drinking "a lot," and a preliminary breath test measured his blood alcohol concentration at nearly 0.21.