Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Simley Senior Charged with Statutory Rape of a 14-Year-Old Girl

George Michael Knowlton faces a felony charge of criminal sexual conduct.

A senior has been charged with statutory rape after police say he had an ongoing sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl this summer.

George Michael Knowlton, 18, faces a felony charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Knowlton was arrested over the weekend and was released Monday on his promise to make all court appearances. An omnibus hearing in his case is scheduled for Nov. 28 in Dakota County District Court in Hastings.

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According to the criminal complaint, the 14-year-old victim admitted to police last week that she had intercourse with Knowlton six to 10 times at a home in Inver Grove Heights over the summer.

The girl said she specifically remembered having sex with Knowlton on July 20. She said the last time they had sex was in late August.

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Police interviewed Knowlton, who initially denied having sex with the girl. However, he admitted later that he had sex with her eight to 10 times, approximately once a week, according to the complaint.

Knowlton also admitted to police that he knew the victim was 14 years old, the complaint says.

Knowlton plays on the Simley High School varsity soccer team.

On Tuesday afternoon, a Facebook page entitled "Free George" had 102 listed fans. The page's description read simply: "free my guy george knowlton."

To view the criminal charges, click on the PDF document attached to this story.

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