by Dennis Dalman
A St. Stephen man has been charged with sexually assaulting a young girl at least three times in the past three years.
Dale David Smith, 67, allegedly abused the daughter of his girlfriend in fall 2014, according to a report from the girl, who is now 14. She said Smith also sexually abused her in the spring and winter of 2015. She then said Smith probably assaulted her at other times when she was sleeping because she would often wake up naked and sore.
The mother of the girl reported she believes Smith tried to grab her daughter’s breast and also saw Smith in the girl’s bed with part of his derriere exposed through the bed covers.
After further investigation, further questioning, Smith did admit he had performed oral sex on the girl and also doing another sexual act.
The girl reported the alleged offenses during a Dec. 29 call to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department.
Smith is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, sex with a minor under 16 and multiple acts of a sexual nature within a significant relationship.