×

Michael Lawrence, Minot, charged with raping 15-year-old girl

A 28-year-old Minot man is accused of raping a 15-year-old girl on two occasions between September 2017 and November 2017.

Michael Derrell Lawrence is charged in district court in Minot with two counts of Class A felony gross sexual imposition. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Lawrence would also be required to register as a sex offender upon conviction.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, Lawrence was in a position of trust to the girl. A family member of the girl reported the assaults to police in November 2017 and the girl was later interviewed by authorities. She told police that Lawrence “peer pressured” her into having sex with him and claimed it would teach her what to do when she was “out there.” She had repeatedly resisted his advances. He raped her on two occasions, over her objections and told her not to disclose the assaults. She was afraid of what he might be capable of doing and didn’t say anything about it right away.

Lawrence has also been charged with violation of a sexual assault restraining order, a Class A misdemeanor, in April.

A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for Oct. 8 before Judge Stacy Louser.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today