Mountain Lake man charged with sexual assault – The Globe

WINDOM – Joseph Haron, 56, of Mountain Lake, is charged in Cottonwood County Fifth District Court with first-degree sexual abuse and penetration of a mentally or physically impaired victim following a July 7 incident.

A Windom police officer was called to an area hospital on a report of sexual abuse. Upon arrival, the officer met the victim, who described the report. Earlier that morning, the victim was at a friend’s house watching a movie. They identified Haron and said he was also present at the time. The victim stated that later that day, they were given a ride home and Haron went inside with them. When the victim went to her bedroom, Haron allegedly pulled down his pants.

The victim allegedly told Haron to pull up his pants, but instead he pushed her onto a bed and sexually assaulted her. The victim told the officer that they did not want to have sex with him, but he did not stop. When he was finished, he allegedly told the victim not to tell anyone about the incident. The victim stated that she was very disturbed and crying during the incident. They also said Haron did not use a condom.

Two days after the alleged incident, on July 9, a Windom Police Department investigator met with Haron. At that time, the investigator reported that he smelled alcohol coming from Haron. Haron stated that nothing happened at the victim’s home. He said he did not remove his clothes and a friend called him outside and he left.

The investigator reportedly told Haron that a rape kit had been completed on the victim at the hospital. When asked if he thought they would find his DNA there, Haron reportedly said, “If they find it, I’m guilty.”

Haron is scheduled to appear in Cottonwood County Fifth District Court on July 24.

Note: This article was written based on information provided by local law enforcement. The Globe reminds readers that all people are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. All references to the victim have been changed to “she/them” to protect the identity of the victim. Additionally, the Southwest Crisis Center is available in our community to support and empower survivors of sexual and domestic violence. If you have questions about services or how you can help, contact the Southwest Crisis Center at 1-800-376-4311 or

www.mnswcc.org

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Hope Moural has been the Globe’s community editor since May 2024. Born and raised in Nebraska, Hope holds dual bachelor’s degrees in journalism and communications from Concordia University, Nebraska, and previously worked as a general assignment reporter.