Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A man accused of sexual assaulting a young child in Rochester more than three years ago is back in custody.

The criminal case against 34-year-old David Earl Townsend had been on hold since December 2021 when he failed to report to court for a required hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

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According to the criminal complaint, the Chatfield man was accused of sexually abusing a girl under the age of 5 at the victim's home in Rochester in February 2021. The child's mother contacted the Rochester Police Department after she discovered her daughter was bleeding and the little girl told her that Townsend had "touched my front and back."

photo by Andy Brownell
photo by Andy Brownell
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The court document says an investigator spoke with Townsend about two weeks later and he denied doing anything to the victim. The charges also state that he voluntarily submitted a DNA sample and testing conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension found his DNA matched genetic evidence found on the child and her clothing.

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension photo
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension photo
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Townsend was charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Court records show the 2021 arrest warrant was canceled after Townsend was arrested on the afternoon of October 3. He is currently being held in the Olmsted County jail with his conditional bail set at $50,000.

Olmsted County Court
Olmsted County Court
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Townsend's next court appearance is scheduled in January.

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Gallery Credit: Lauren Wells