Sexual Assault Charges
Kyle Ryan Francis, 44, of Detroit Lakes, faces felony and gross misdemeanor charges of fifth-degree criminal sexual contact in Becker County District Court. The charges stem from allegations involving a juvenile female who reported two separate incidents in 2022 in Audubon.
According to court records, the first incident occurred in June 2022 during Audubon Summer Fest, where Francis allegedly touched the victim inappropriately after she gave him a ride home. The second incident occurred in July 2022 at Francis’ home, where the victim woke up to Francis touching her over her clothes.
A forensic interview was conducted in August 2023, leading to Francis’ release under conditions of no contact with the victim and no use of mood-altering substances. His next court date is scheduled for December 9.
Firearm Theft Sentencing
In a separate case, Joshua James Tougas, 35, of Lake Park, was sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony receiving stolen property. The charges followed a July 2022 search warrant at his property, where law enforcement discovered methamphetamine, stolen firearms, and ammunition. Several of the stolen guns were traced to reports from Fargo.
Tougas was sentenced to 30 days in custody, 30 days on electronic monitoring, and five years of supervised probation. Successful completion of probation will reduce his felony charge to a misdemeanor. He was also fined $1,000 and ordered to attend a MADD Impact Panel.
These cases highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the courts to address serious crimes in the Becker County area.