By: News Director Larissa Donovan
BEMIDJI– A Lancaster man is in custody and has been charged with criminal sexual conduct and engaging in sexual online communications with a child.
According to the criminal complaint, Beltrami County Deputies responded to a residence in Blackduck and spoke with parents who were disturbed that an adult male was sending inappropriate text messages to a child younger than 16.
The victim told deputies that she had met 25-year-old Cody Bernhardt on social media, and the victim’s sibling also provided a statement about confronting Bernhardt about his age.
The complaint further states that Bernhardt was interviewed by deputies this past Tuesday, and admitted to performing sexual acts on the victim two weeks prior.
Cody Allen Thomas Bernhardt, 25. Photo courtesy of the Beltrami County Jail.
Bernhardt first appeared in court yesterday and will make his next court appearance on Monday. Bail with conditions has been set at $6,000.
View the criminal complaint here: BERNHARDT CSC.
