A 24-year-old from Sebeka was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct in Wadena County District Court for a relationship with a 17-year-old girl.
The investigation began with a report the girl had become pregnant, which led to her school counselor reporting the relationship to Wadena County Human Services.
Both the girl and the defendant, Brent Aaron Haataja, told investigators that she had told Haataja she was 18 years old when their relationship began; however, after she found out she was pregnant she told him she was only 17.
Haataja's first court appearance was set for June 13. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and/or a $30,000 fine.
