Bloomington police say a 66-year-old man was arrested Thursday after allegedly groping a 15-year-old in the city, and Chief Booker T. Hodges is making it clear he is not interested in turning Bloomington into a soft spot for sex offenders.
Police Posted A Reel With Details
Per the Bloomington Police Department, the department posted a short video Thursday night in which officers describe the incident and confirm the 66-year-old suspect was taken into custody. The clip notes that the victim is 15 years old and shows officers giving each other some on-camera credit for the quick arrest.
"Don't come to our city and think you can get away with this," Chief Booker T. Hodges says in the reel, adding that the suspect "was locked up" and would be held accountable, per the Bloomington Police Department. His message is aimed squarely at would-be offenders and is clearly intended to steady the nerves of parents and other community members.
Who Leads The Department
Booker T. Hodges, Bloomington's police chief, has led the department since April 2022 and appears in the video delivering the update. The city's official police page confirms Hodges' role and lists the department's public contact information, per the City of Bloomington.
Legal Implications
Under Minnesota law, nonconsensual sexual contact can be prosecuted under the state's criminal sexual conduct statutes. Nonconsensual touching is typically charged as fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct, while the use of force or other aggravating circumstances can bump an offense up to fourth degree. Penalties range from gross misdemeanor fines and local jail time up to felony prison terms, depending on the specific statute and any prior convictions, per the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes and Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
What Happens Next
Bloomington police say the investigation is ongoing and that any criminal charges will be filed by prosecutors after they review the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department at 952-563-4900 or use the department's online reporting options, per the City of Bloomington.
