Austin man charged with sexually abusing minor; Alleged abuse occurred when victim was 15

Dec. 14--Giovanni German Vasquez Rosales, 33, of Austin was charged with felony second-degree criminal sexual conduct -- victim under 16 years of age -- significant relationship -- multiple acts, three counts of felony second-degree criminal sexual conduct -- victim under 16 years of age -- significant relationship -- and three counts of felony second-degree criminal sexual conduct -- victim under 16 years of age -- position of authority -- on Thursday in Mower County District Court.

He pled not guilty to all charges.

According to the court complaint, a child protection officer with Mower County Health and Human Services interviewed a 17-year-old female on Aug. 26 after she disclosed that Rosales had sexually abused her when she was 15. The victim said that Rosales, who was known to her, was giving her a massage when he reached under her shirt and touched her inappropriately. She said the abuse occurred three times, including once in the presence of other minor children.

The victim said she felt "uncomfortable" and made efforts to avoid Rosales.

On Sept. 10, a detective interviewed a woman to whom the victim had disclosed the abuse. The woman, who also knew Rosales, said Rosales would give the victim "back rubs," but she never observed inappropriate touching.

The detective spoke to Rosales on Sept. 11. Rosales said he was unaware as to why the victim would make allegations of sexual abuse. He recalled the victim complaining of a sore shoulder and that he rubbed her shoulders. He said his hands "might have gone a little too forward," but denied inappropriately touching the victim, saying that if he did, it was an "accident."

The detective and child protection officer interviewed a relative of the victim, who said the victim had disclosed the alleged abuse two weeks prior. She said there was no reason for the victim to be untruthful about the incidents. She also said Rosales came by her house after the victim was interviewed and wanted to talk to the victim, but was not allowed to do so.

A pre-trial has been scheduled for April 17 with a jury trial on April 27.

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