WORTHINGTON, MN — Earnest Anderson, 51, of Worthington, is facing three felony counts of criminal sexual conduct involving predatory conduct, and two felony counts of first-degree burglary, following a disturbing incident on July 5 at a local hotel.
According to a law enforcement report, Worthington Police were dispatched to a hotel at approximately 4:30 a.m. after receiving a report that a hotel employee had entered a guest room without permission. Several children were present in the room at the time.
Witnesses stated they had been socializing outside the hotel when they observed Anderson, who appeared to be asleep on a bench. When they returned to their hotel room, they found Anderson inside, lying on the bed with the children. Though they initially hesitated to call police, believing no harm had been done, they later learned Anderson was a convicted sex offender and contacted law enforcement.
Police say a master key—believed to have been in Anderson’s possession—was likely used to enter the room.
Multiple children were interviewed by officers. One victim reported waking up to find someone rubbing their thigh. They realized it was not a family member, but Anderson, after hearing someone yelling and seeing him in the bed.
Another juvenile reported that Anderson rubbed their face, describing the contact as “almost scratching it,” while they and another child were watching a movie.
Officers entered Anderson’s hotel room using a master key after he failed to respond to commands. They found him lying in bed with his hands concealed, and after a prolonged silence, he was taken into custody.
Hotel surveillance confirmed the account, showing two children opening their hotel room door, followed shortly by Anderson entering. Minutes later, one of the children is seen leaving the room to get help.
Anderson, who has a previous conviction for criminal sexual conduct dating back to 2012, was transported to jail and declined to speak to officers.
He was scheduled to appear Thursday in Nobles County Fifth District Court.
