Man Kidnapped, Sexual Assaulted Lake Elmo Woman: Charges

STILLWATER, MN — A New Auburn man has been charged with multiple felonies after holding a Lake Elmo woman against her will, physically and sexually assaulting her for over 24 hours, Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson announced.

David Powers, 35, faces charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, felony kidnapping, and domestic assault by strangulation. He made his initial appearance in court Thursday morning.

Powers remain in custody on a $500,000 unconditional bail. His next court appearance is set for May 16.

Just before 9 a.m. Tuesday, Washington County deputies were called to an apartment on the 9500 block of Hudson Boulevard in Lake Elmo for a welfare check, according to the criminal complaint.

A woman had not shown up for work that day and her employer had been unable to reach her, deputies were told.

At the scene, deputies heard a woman screaming for help while frantically trying to open an upper-level window, according to the criminal complaint.

Powers appeared behind the woman and pulled her from view, authorities said. Deputies forced entry into the apartment and detained him, according to investigators.

Deputies found the woman with significant injuries to her neck, forearm, and hands, the criminal complaint states.

Powers had been staying with her at her apartment for a few weeks, according to investigators. After attending a sporting event together on Sunday evening, the two got into an argument and she left Powers at her apartment while she stayed with friends in a neighboring city, authorities said.

When she returned early the next morning, Powers "snapped," according to the criminal complaint. Over the next three hours, Powers strangled her, grabbed her by the hair and threw her against the wall, placed his hand over her nose and mouth until she lost consciousness, punched her, slapped her, and sexually assaulted her, authorities said.

The woman tried to escape, but Powers physically prevented her from leaving and wouldn’t allow access to her phone or keys, according to investigators.

“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing and horrific,” said Magnuson. “Our office is dedicated to taking all domestic violence cases seriously and holding those accused of these crimes accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We work alongside victims throughout the legal process to ensure they receive justice and provide the necessary support for their recovery from these traumatic and life- altering events.”

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate this case, and anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Joel Muellner 651-430-7818.