Criminal charges have been filed against the owner of a Winnebago towing service resulting from an incident that occurred in late February.
Douglas Wayne Jenkins, 56, of rural Winnebago has been charged with fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct and soliciting prostitution, both gross misdemeanors that carry a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $3,000 fine.
Jenkins also faces a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct that has a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Faribault County District Court, the Sheriff’s Department contacted Mankato police officer Cory Keane on Feb. 26 to meet with a female claiming Jenkins harassed and groped her.
County authorities requested an outside investigator to avoid a potential or perceived conflict of interest.
The alleged victim’s vehicle was towed by Jenkins from the scene of a traffic stop in Faribault County on Feb. 23 at the request of county authorities, according to court documents.
Jenkins reportedly contacted the woman the next day by text and told her that she needed to come to his residence in rural Winnebago to pick up the vehicle.
Court documents say that Jenkins appeared aware that the woman was a professional adult dancer/entertainer based on information he may have obtained while towing her vehicle.
Jenkins asked the woman if he could have a “private dance,” court papers say.
The criminal complaint says the woman told Jenkins, “I only meet up at the club and I will not be dancing at all this next week.”
She claims that Jenkins then asked if she ever would be interested in meeting somewhere more private like a motel for extra cash.
A friend drove the woman to Jenkins’ home to get her vehicle, says the complaint, and witnessed an interaction between the two in which he grabbed her backside over her clothing.
After obtaining her vehicle, the woman texted Jenkins the next day and told him he needed to be more professional.
The complaint says Jenkins apologized saying, “Again, I’m sorry. I just thought I could help you out a little bit if you were taking a week off from work.”
The woman responded by texting, “By asking me to be a prostitute? I appreciate the help, and how exactly is this all being helpful? I am an entertainer, not a prostitute.”
Jenkins told the woman he has been approached by some other girls at the adult entertainment club, says the complaint, to do more than just tip on the dance floor or in private dances.
“I know I should never assume you are like the other girls and again I’m sorry,” says Jenkins.
When Keane interviewed Jenkins, he admits asking the woman to meet with him for a private dance, but denies soliciting any sexual activity.
Faribault County Judge Troy Timmerman has recused himself from the case and it has been assigned to Martin County Judge Michael Trushenski.
Jenkins’ first court appearance is scheduled for April 29 at the courthouse in Blue Earth.