A Level III sex offender from Minnesota is on the loose, having shed his electronic monitoring bracelet, authorities said Wednesday.

George D. McIntosh Jr., 25, cut off his GPS ankle bracelet while in Faribault on Monday, according to the state Department of Corrections.

The department has issued a warrant for the arrest of McIntosh, who was released from prison Aug. 30 after serving time for two third-degree criminal sexual conduct convictions in Le Sueur County.

McIntosh was then placed in Le Sueur County on intensive supervised release, the most stringent form of monitoring the state has for released offenders.

McIntosh's assaults on his victims, girls ages 14 and 15, involved penetration and occurred at his home in Waterville in July 2007, according to court records. He used alcohol to "gain compliance" from the girls, both of whom he knew, the records said.

Another man, Jerid J. Mertins, now 30, was charged in the same case and convicted of having sexual contact with one of the girls at McIntosh's home.

McIntosh is described as white, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 160 pounds, with closely shaved red hair and blue eyes.

Authorities say people should not attempt to confront McIntosh. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call 911 or corrections officials at 651-603-0026.

PAUL WALSH