Ruben Mendoza Garcia mugshot

(Gaylord, MN) – A Glencoe man has been criminally charged, accused of sexually abusing a young family member.

Ruben Mendoza Garcia, 52, is wanted on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Sibley County.  He was charged Monday.

According to the criminal complaint, a 12-year-old girl came forward to tell police her uncle had performed oral sex on her the night of her birthday party in Gaylor six years prior.  The girl said she awoke during the abuse and Garcia said, “Oh my god, I’m so sorry.”  She said Garcia promised her ice cream if she didn’t tell her parents.

Police say the victim had disclosed the abuse to her mother and her brother, but the charges don’t specify whether she told them immediately after the molestation.

The victim told police a loved one recently came forward about being sexually abused, which made her feel safe enough to also come forward.

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