Fridley man sentenced to workhouse for sexual assault of 12-year-old

*Disclaimer: Criminal complaints are based off law enforcement’s and prosecutor's interpretation of what a defendant did. They should not be considered factual by the public. All those charged with crimes are innocent until proven in a court of law. Any accusation in the below story comes from court documents unless expressly noted.*

MINNEAPOLIS – An 18-year-old Fridley man will avoid prison time for his sexual assault of a preteen girl, following a plea deal with prosecutors earlier this year.

Angel Morales Vargas Morales was convicted of felony second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving contact with a child under 14 during a hearing last month in front of Judge Sarah West in a Ramsey County district courtroom.

Per a plea deal with Ramsey County prosecutors, a felony charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving the penetration of a child under 14 was dismissed.

While West sentenced Morales to 180 days in the Hennepin County Workhouse, he was credited with 99 days for time served. West ordered him to serve his remaining 21 days during weekends at the workhouse.

A 36-month prison sentence was stayed for three years provided Morales complies with his probation requirements, which include registering as a predatory offender and attending a sex offender program. Morales was also ordered to have no contact with children without the approval of his probation officer.

Morales sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl at his home after she had been reported missing, according to a criminal complaint signed by Brooklyn Park Police Detective Nhia Xiong and Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Taryn Wheeler.

***For help following a sexual assault, please visit the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault to find advocacy and medical services.***