Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure of a Minor and Drug Possession in South St Paul
SOUTH ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - On December 27th, 2023, officers were dispatched on reports of indecent exposure to a neighborhood in South St. Paul. According to the criminal complaints, officers arrived on the scene and spoke to witnesses who claimed that a male identified as Benjamin James Clark, 34 years old, had exposed his genitals in an alleyway to at least two minor children under the age of 16. Surveillance footage officers reviewed confirmed these witness statements.
Clark was later found in the area and placed under arrest. Officers then reportedly searched Clark and discovered not only drug paraphernalia on his person but 0.37 grams of a white powdery substance as well. This white powdery substance tested positive for methamphetamine, court documents stated.
Benjamin James Clark was charged with Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance Crime in the 5th Degree, which carries a maximum sentence of 0-5 years and/or a $3,000 - $10,000 fine and a Gross Misdemeanor of Indecent Exposure to a Minor Under 16, which carries a maximum sentence of 0-1 Year and/or a $900 - $3,000 fine.
His bond was set at $20,000 without conditions, a $7,500 non-cash bond with conditions, and a $750 post-cash bail with conditions. His bond has not been posted as of the time of writing this article, and his next court appearance is January 25, 2024, at 9 AM in Hastings, Minnesota.
Dakota County Jail
Written by: Grace Patton
