Apparent confession of molestation leads St. Francis man to turn himself in

He turned himself in to Anoka County authorities after allegedly telling his pastor that he molested a 7-year-old girl in the toy department of a Wal-Mart in Coon Rapids.

Last update: May 5, 2008 - 11:30 PM

After allegedly telling his pastor that he molested a 7-year-old girl in the toy department of a Wal-Mart in Coon Rapids, a St. Francis man turned himself in to Anoka County authorities Sunday night.

The 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, but had not been charged Monday, the Anoka County Attorney's Office said.

The little girl had been with family members, but wandered an aisle away when the man, a stranger, apparently touched her around 7:30 p.m. Friday, said Lt. Paul Sommer of the Anoka County Sheriff's Office. The girl immediately told family members what had happened, Sommer said.

The act was not captured by Wal-Mart's surveillance cameras, though cameras did capture the man running out the front doors of the store. The suspect's face was captured on film, Sommer said.

The man, who has no previous criminal record, apparently confessed to a clergy member, who told him he needed to tell authorities. He turned himself in Sunday night, authorities said.

PAUL LEVY