A New York Mills man accused of having sexual conduct with a 13-15-year-old girl was sentenced last month to 10 years probation, 120 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.
Larry John Selander, 59, pleaded guilty to 4th Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Otter Tail County District Court on July 26.
According to the criminal complaint against Selander, he and the girl met at church, where they developed a friendly relationship. The girl would travel to Selander's farm to talk.
In the spring of 2008, Selander had carpal tunnel surgery, and the girl began to help regularly with work at Selander's farm.
The complaint stated that a physical relationship between Selander and the girl began in April 2008, when Selander was allegedly depressed and an alcoholic. This took place when Selander's wife was absent.
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In May, the girl spent a night with Selander following a karaoke talent show while Selander's wife was away. The complaint states that after that night, the girl believed she was falling in love with Selander.
In June, the girl received permission from her mother to move to Selander's farm to continue working there. In July, Selander and the girl had sexual intercourse for the first time. It was during this time that Selander expressed to the girl that he loved her and would leave his wife.
In January 2009, the girl became pregnant. In October, the girl had surgery for a C-section, and the baby died shortly after.
Despite the death of the baby, Selander and the girl continued their sexual rela-tionship.
The complaint states that Selander began drinking more in February of 2010, and on Feburary 24 Selander allegedly talked about killing the girl.
When the girl asked Selander on February 28 if he was still planning on leaving his wife, Selander allegedly replied, "Not right now." The girl then threatened to kill herself with a .22 revolver, at which point the police were called.
Selander was arrested and charged in April. As conditions of his sentencing, Selander underwent a Sex Offender Assessment, registered as a predatory offender, cannot have any contact with persons under the age of 18, and cannot access the Internet.
