Guilty Plea Entered in Grand Meadow Child Sex Abuse Case
Austin, MN (KROC-AM News) - An Austin man is awaiting sentencing in a child sexual abuse case.
50-year-old Robert Stehlik has entered a guilty plea to a second-degree criminal sexual conduct charge through a plea agreement that calls for the dismissal of a first-degree charge and another count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Stehlik used an Alford plea, which allows him to not admit guilt, but at the same time acknowledge there is enough evidence to convict him of the crime.
The former Grand Meadow man was accused of molesting a 15-year-old girl more than 30 times at a residence in Grand Meadow beginning in June of last year and into February of this year. The criminal complaint against Stehlik says the illegal sexual activity ended after the victim told a friend and eventually her mother.
This plea agreement includes a recommendation from the prosecution for a sentence at the bottom end of the range called for by state sentencing guidelines, but no lower than the presumptive sentence of 7 1/2 years in prison. It also calls for 10 years of supervised release following his discharge from prison and a requirement that he register as a predatory offender for the remainder of his life.
Shelik's sentencing hearing has been scheduled on August 4.