BLUE EARTH, Minn. – A southern Minnesota man charged with 18 felony sex crimes is taking a plea deal.

Michael Allen Swanson, 55 of North Mankato, was charged in July 2024 with 16 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Court documents state that between June 2017 and August 2021, Swanson repeatedly had sex with a minor while Swanson lived in Faribault County.

Swanson has now entered an Alford plea to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. A sentencing hearing is set for March 9, 2026.

An Alford plea means that Swanson is not admitting guilt but concedes he could be convicted at trial and agrees to accept s

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