Rochester Man Gets 24 Years in Child Sex Assault Case

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Aggravating factors have led to a lengthy prison sentence in a Rochester child sexual assault case.

Aggravating Factors Included in Plea Agreement

Forty-eight-year-old Elijah Jae Newbloom went before an Olmsted County judge this afternoon and was given a prison sentence of just over 24 years. He recently entered into a plea agreement and admitted to a first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge in exchange for the dismissal of three other identical charges. Under the terms of his plea deal, Newbloom also admitted to aggravating factors in the case.

Victim Disclosed Abuse to Family

Newbloom was charged last September after the victim disclosed the sexual abuse to her family, who then contacted Rochester police. The criminal complaint says the victim told investigators that the sexual assaults began when she was 14 years old and that Newbloom would give her gifts, including alcohol and vapes.

TSM photo by Aaron Galloway. Stock image

Evidence Included Text Messages, Police Say

The evidence listed in the case included text messages indicating that Newbloom was caught engaging in sexual activity with the victim when she was 15 years old. The victim also told police that she sent Newbloom sexually explicit images of herself at his request.

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The criminal complaint states that the victim reported the abuse after learning that Newbloom had sent "inappropriate and sexual" messages to her sister.

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