Woman says local man raped her

An Austin man is in Mower County jail on charges of rape.

Randal Jerome Bennett, 46, faces two charges: first-degree criminal sexual conduct by penetration and third-degree criminal sexual conduct by force or coercion, both felonies. The maximum sentence Bennett could face is 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.

Police arrested Bennett after the victim reported the alleged rape on the night of May 16. She told police she rode her bike to a party at Bennett’s house and had a few beers. According to the court complaint, Bennett locked the doors and would not let the victim leave after everybody else had left. The victim added that Bennett’s children, however, were home at the time.

According to the complaint, Bennett picked up the victim, threw her on a bed and had sex with her. When police asked Bennett who was at his house that night, he initially did not mention the victim, according to the complaint. However, police asked him again and Bennett mentioned that the victim was there and the two had consensual sex. Police photographed bruises on the victim’s thigh, shin and forehead, the complaint adds. Police took the victim to Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a sexual assault examination.

Bennett’s next court date is set for May 31.

News

Why doctors at Mayo Clinic are doing improv theater

Education

APS wins National Digital Media Excellence Awards

Education

Riverland Community College hosts electric vehicle fundraising event

Mower County

Major paddling access planned on Cedar

Mower County

Overnight I-90 detours planned June 16-19 in Austin during bridge deck work

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

2-vehicle crash sends Austin woman to hospital

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Lyle teen injured in Monday morning crash on I-35

Albert Lea

2 dead after domestic disturbance in rural Albert Lea

Albert Lea

‘Minnesota is not a one-party state’

Mower County

SEMAC announces grant opportunities for artists, culture bearers, organizations and schools

Mower County

Charlie Parr to play August show in Owatonna

Education

Education Briefs

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: May 26-June 2

News

As Trump travel ban takes effect, even Minnesota’s U.S. citizens worry about repercussions

Education

State budget questions have impact on APS budget process

News

New Minnesota budget sealed up in legislative spree as immigrant health coverage rescinded

Mower County

New grant may help scientists change the fight against liver cancer

Mower County

Grillin & Chillin event raises money for Humane Society and prospects for expanded event

News

Special session convenes to vote on rest of Minnesota budget, avoid shutdown

Mower County

A place to call home: Austin pickleball group continues work toward funding public courts

Mower County

Pacelli Catholic Schools celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV

Mower County

Woman rescued from silo, AFD stresses safety

Education

Austin Online Academy growth more than just the numbers

Mower County

Flash Fiction Workshop kicks off this year’s Author Stage