Faribault Teen Charged with Sexually Assaulting Runaway Girl

Accused of choking, threatening, and providing drugs and alcohol to 15-year-old victim

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:20pm

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled piece of paper with handwritten notes, conceptually representing the evidence and investigation into a sexual assault case against a runaway teen.A disturbing case of sexual assault against a runaway teen exposes the vulnerability of youth and the need for better protections.Faribault Today

A 19-year-old Faribault, Minnesota man named Rodrigo Raul Deluna Jr. has been charged with five counts, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct, after allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old runaway girl over the course of several days. Deluna is accused of choking the victim, threatening to kill her, and providing her with marijuana and alcohol.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of runaway youth and the serious consequences they can face when they become victims of sexual predators. It also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the need for stronger protections for minors.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Deluna met the 15-year-old girl at the Mall of America a few days before the alleged assault. He then convinced her to come back to his apartment in Faribault, where he is accused of sexually assaulting her multiple times, choking her, and threatening to drown her. The girl was eventually found by police and taken to the hospital for a sexual assault examination.

  • On Thursday evening, Chaska police notified Faribault police that the 15-year-old girl was at an address in Faribault.
  • Faribault police responded to the address and found the girl and Deluna.
  • The girl told police she had been in Faribault for "a couple days" and was planning to go home on Thursday morning.

The players

Rodrigo Raul Deluna Jr.

A 19-year-old Faribault, Minnesota resident who has been charged with five counts, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct, after allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old runaway girl.

The 15-year-old Runaway Girl

The victim in this case, who met Deluna at the Mall of America a few days before the alleged assault and was convinced to come back to his apartment in Faribault.

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What’s next

Deluna is scheduled to appear in court on April 12th, where a judge will determine if he should be released on bail pending trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the vulnerability of runaway youth and the need for stronger protections and support services to prevent such predatory crimes against minors.