FAIRMONT — A Blue Earth man is facing felony charges in Martin County.

Gildardo Gonzalez Jr., 30, is charged with criminal sexual conduct in the third degree, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine. Gonzalez is also charged with criminal sexual conduct in the third degree, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.

According to the complaint:

On March 24, 2021, Fairmont Police officers met with a female party at the Martin County Law Enforcement Center. The woman advised officers that on December 19, 2020, she was hanging out with a male named Billy.

She indicated that around 12 a.m. to 1 a.m., he left her residence and she turned on the television and went to bed. She explained that some time in the morning she woke up to Billy forcefully undressing her. She advised that Billy sexually assaulted her, got off the bed and then sat on the floor.

The female explained that she cried in the bed for around 20 minutes before sending a message for an acquaintance, explaining what happened. That acquaintance advised a relative of the female of what had happened. She indicated she went downstairs and told another relative what happened.

She then indicated the second relative went upstairs and started yelling at Billy. She indicated that billy left the residence. She advised that she went to the Emergency Room approximately one or two hours after the incident to be examined.

The woman elaborated on the incident, explaining that she was physically restrained. She also indicated she had bruising on her legs and arms.

An officer suspected that the suspect was Gonzalez, who he knew from prior contacts. The officer was aware that Gonzalez went by the name of Billy. Later Law Enforcement conducted a photo lineup with the female, who identified Gonzalez as the suspect.

On March 27, 2021, officers located Gonzalez and placed him under arrest. He was transported to the Law Enforcement Center and interviewed. Gonzalez indicated that he understood his rights, and agreed to speak with officers.

Gonzalez denied sexually assaulting the female, indicating he had been in a staying with her for three to four weeks and had engaged in consensual sexual activity on two occasions. He indicated they were both under the influence of meth on the date in question.

Officers later spoke with the female, who first denied the use of meth, but then admitted they had used together. She also admitted that some previous sexual activity with Gonzalez prior to the alleged assault had been consensual.Blue Earth man facing charges