A former Wells man is facing 16 counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor who he had mentored at church and coached, according to online court records.
Fifty four year old Michael Allen Swanson, who is listed in online court records as now living in North Mankato, was arrested on the charges in July and appeared for a hearing on Monday in Faribault County District Court.
The court complaint alleges repeated sexual assaults from 2017 to 2019.
Authorities with Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties initially received a report of the alleged assaults in June 2023, after which the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office began investigating.
Court documents state Swanson met the child when he was her basketball coach. He was also appointed as the girl’s confirmation mentor through their church, during which she confided in Swanson regarding difficulties at home.
The first sexual assault reportedly occurred in July 2017, when the girl was 13. Swanson had reportedly been drinking and kissed and grouped her. Another incident occurred when she went on vacation with Swanson and his family.
The girl lived with Swanson and his family for a lengthy period of time and she told authorities he would wait until the other family members were asleep before sexually assaulting her daily. He also reportedly would frequently provide her with alcohol. She estimated she was assaulted more than 500 times as a minor.
Swanson’s next court appearance is December 18th.