Faribault man faces assault charges in runaway teen case
Faribault, Minnesota – A 19-year-old man is facing multiple serious charges following an alleged sexual assault of a 15-year-old runaway, court records reveal. Rodrigo Raul Deluna Jr., already known to law enforcement, now stands accused of crimes that include first-degree criminal sexual conduct and domestic assault, sending ripples through the community.
The sequence of events
The disturbing chain of events began Thursday evening when the Chaska Police Department alerted their counterparts in Faribault to the whereabouts of a missing teenager. A Snapchat post had placed the girl on Third Street Northwest. Responding officers located both the girl and Deluna, who, according to the criminal complaint, has a history with local authorities. Initially, Deluna claimed ignorance of the girl's runaway status.
But the girl's account painted a far more troubling picture. She stated she'd been in Faribault for “a couple days,” intending to return home. However, Deluna allegedly pressured her to stay, threatening anger if she left. She reported being choked by him during their interactions. The details escalated further when she recounted meeting Deluna at the Mall of America days prior while with friends, exchanging numbers, and subsequently being lured to his apartment.
According to the girl's testimony, Deluna sexually assaulted her on three separate occasions, each followed by a chilling demand that she shower with him, accompanied by threats of drowning. The complaint alleges Deluna explicitly told her she wasn't going home and that she knew she was a runaway, having overheard her conversations with her mother and friends, including one where she mentioned police were searching for her.
Adding to the severity of the situation, Deluna is also facing two counts of violating a domestic abuse no-contact order in unrelated cases involving two other young women. This history raises significant concerns about a pattern of behavior.
The girl was transported to a local hospital for a sexual assault nurse examiner exam and revealed that Deluna had provided her with marijuana and alcohol. He now faces a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $61,000 if convicted.
The case underscores the vulnerability of runaway youth and the importance of community vigilance. Resources are available for those affected by sexual violence, including the Sexual Violence Center and the Aurora Center, among others. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly shed further light on this disturbing case, but for now, the focus remains on supporting the victim and ensuring the safety of other potential targets.