(Mankato, MN) – A warrant has been issued for a convicted sex offender accused of repeatedly raping his niece during the two years he stayed with her family at their Mankato home.

Joshua James Pearson, 36, of St. Paul Park, is charged in Blue Earth County Court with five felony counts of 1st-degree criminal sexual conduct.

According to the criminal complaint, the alleged victim reported to police in another state that her uncle – Pearson – had raped her on a regular basis while he stayed with her family in Mankato between 2011-2013.  The girl was 9 and 10 years old when the alleged rapes occurred, according to the complaint.

The victim told investigators that Pearson took her for a walk and gave her marijuana the day of the first assault, but she was able to stop him from kissing her.  Pearson allegedly came into her room that night after everyone went to bed, covered her mouth, and threatened to kill her.  He then ripped off her clothes and forcibly raped her, according to the complaint.

Court documents say Pearson continued to rape the victim on an almost nightly basis.  She told investigators that Pearson would physically and verbally abuse her during the assaults, and seemed to be pleased when she cried.  During the final assault, she told police, Pearson hit her so hard he bruised her hip.  The victim said she was scared to tell her family because of Pearson’s threats, according to the complaint.

The criminal complaint says the victim’s mother is Pearson’s sister.  The victim’s parents confirmed that Pearson had lived with them when they resided in Mankato.  The parents told investigators they had warned the victim that Pearson was a sex offender and that she should tell them if he touched her, according to the complaint.

Peterson has an outstanding warrant in Hennepin County for failing to register as a predatory offender.  A warrant has also been requested in Blue Earth County.  His current whereabouts are unknown.

Pearson was convicted of 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct in Yellow Medicine County in 2001 and was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

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