38-Year-Old Man Accused of Groping Young Girl at Rochester Store

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man is facing multiple charges for allegedly groping a young girl at a local store. 

See Also: Man in Crisis Shoots at Officers Then Wounds Himself in Owatonna 

That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court Thursday morning. 

Rochester police responded to the report of an intoxicated male shortly after 8:00 Wednesday night and encountered the subject urinating on the floor in a different store, the complaint says. 

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Rochester Man Accused of Groping Young Girl at Store on Marketplace Dr. NW

38-year-old Charles Blayne Claxton is charged with one count each of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, third-degree burglary, misdemeanor theft and misdemeanor indecent exposure. 

The complaint says the incident occurred at an unnamed store on Marketplace Dr. NW. Officers brought Claxton out of the other store and sat him on a curb. 

As officers were speaking to Claxton, a man approached claiming Claxton had “put his hands on his stepdaughter,” the charges say. 

Police Speak to Victim, Store Employee & Review Camera Footage

A detective spoke with the victim, described in the complaint as a girl under the age of 14. She told police that Claxton had groped her while she was in the book aisle, the complaint says. 

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, resources are available for help. Visit the RAINN website (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) or dial 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673).

A store employee told police he encountered Claxton in the swimwear section of the store, recognized him from previous incidents and contacted law enforcement, the charges say. 

He followed Claxton into the book section and said he did not have a clear line of sight before hearing a woman yelling that someone had touched her daughter, the complaint says. 

Playing Cards Found

Claxton was seen on video following females around the store. He was seen going into the book and toys section, however the store cameras were unable to capture the alleged sexual assault, according to the complaint. 

Officers searched Claxton and located multiple brand-new trading cards on his person. Store employees, who told police that Claxton had been previously trespassed from the store, said they found open card packs in the bathroom that Claxton had left behind, the complaint says. 

Claxton made his first court appearance Thursday morning.