Apple Valley Man Charged with Groping Limo Driver

A 54-year-old Apple Valley man is being charged with criminal sexual conduct for groping a female limousine driver.

The driver picked up Robert Michael Nielsen on February 25 in Eagan. Nielsen told her that he wanted a ride home but he was intoxicated and could not remember his address, according to a Dakota County criminal complaint. He said to drive toward the intersection of 157th Street and Galaxie Avenue.

Nielsen moved toward the driver, placing his right hand on her shoulder and then touching her left breast, according to the complaint. The driver pushed away his hand, told him not to touch her and said she was going to drop him at a service station since he wouldn't tell her where he lived.

Then Nielsen took out $20 in cash and instructed her to keep driving before grabbing at her face in an attempt to kiss her and telling her she was very beautiful, the driver later told police.

The driver pulled over to a service station and waited for police officers to arrive.

When police placed Nielsen under arrest, he told them, "I've done nothing to anyone."

He is facing up to a year behind bars and a $3,000 fine.