Lake Benton man admits to rape, sexual contact, soliciting minors

Sentencing tentatively set for Dec. 7

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BROOKINGS – A Lake Benton, Minnesota, man has admitted to having sexual contact with, raping and soliciting underage girls in Brookings County between October 2020 and January 2021.

Tristen Simonsen, 20, pleaded guilty in Brookings County Circuit Court on Tuesday to one count of sexual contact with a child under 16, which involved one victim; one count of fourth-degree rape, involving a second victim; and two counts of solicitation of a minor, which involved both victims.

The two female victims were 12 to 14 years old during the time period of the offenses, while Simonsen was 18 years old.

In exchange for the pleas, the state is recommending a sentence of 30 years in prison – 10 years each for sexual contact and fourth-degree rape, and five years for each of the solicitation charges, with all of the time to run consecutively. The state will dismiss all other charges against Simonsen and will not bring additional charges, and the defense is free to argue for less than 30 years in prison.

Simonsen will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. He also faces up to 50 years in prison at sentencing. Sexual contact with a child under 16 and fourth-degree rape are both Class 3 felonies punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine apiece. Sexual contact with a child under 16 also has a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence.

Solicitation of a minor is a Class 4 felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine for each count.

After finding a factual basis and accepting Simonsen’s guilty pleas on Tuesday, Circuit Judge Dawn Elshere ordered a psychosexual evaluation and a pre-sentence investigation.

Sentencing has been tentatively scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 7, although that date could change due to how long it takes to complete the psychosexual evaluation.

Simonsen remains in the Brookings County Detention Center pending sentencing.

Contact Jill Fier at jfier@brookingsregister.com.