The owner of a Winnebago towing service charged with soliciting prostitution has reached a plea agreement.
Douglas Wayne Jenkins, 56, of rural Winnebago pleaded guilty to fifth-degree criminal sexual contact during a June 9 hearing held in Martin County District Court before Judge Michael Trushenski.
As a result, the gross misdemeanor prostitution charge and misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct were dismissed.
The petition to enter a guilty plea states, “I did engage in non-consensual sexual contact with another by touching her buttocks/backside over her clothing without her consent.”
Under the agreement, Jenkins agrees to a stay of adjudication for a period of two years.
That means that the court postpones entering a judgment of guilt and if conditions of probation are successfully completed, the charge is dismissed and no conviction will appears on Jenkins’ record.
Trushenski has ordered a pre-sentence investigation be completed prior to a sentencing hearing scheduled on July 21.
According to court documents, 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.
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.
She claims that Jenkins also asked if she ever would be interested in meeting somewhere more private like a motel for extra cash.
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.”
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 interviewed by a North Mankato police officer, Jenkins admits asking the woman to meet with him for a private dance, but denies soliciting any sexual activity.