A Wells man is accused of repeated sexual assaults of a minor who he had mentored and coached, according to recently filed charges.
Fifty four year old Michael Allen Swanson, who is also listed as having a North Mankato address in court records, was charged with 16 felony counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct on July 23rd in Faribault County District Court.
A criminal complaint alleges Swanson first met the minor from when he coached her in basketball and he later served as her church mentor.
The teen reportedly lived at Swanson’s family home much of the time between ages 13 and 18, starting in 2017, due to difficulties in her home life. She told investigators the first sexual assault occurred around July 2017 when an intoxicated Swanson groped her and kissed her.
Sexual assaults continued when she went on a trip with Swanson and his family, as well as a trip with Swanson to the Twin Cities, according to the complaint.
She described sexual assaults happening “every day” for a stretch after his family went to bed. In total she estimated 500 different incidents while she was a minor.
One of Swanson’s family members became suspicious of his behavior with the girl, the complaint states and later provided information to authorities.
Swanson’s next court hearing is scheduled for September 23rd.
