An Olmsted County jury delivered a guilty verdict Thursday in the case of a Rochester woman accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. The defendant, 43‑year‑old Megan Lelani Cogswell, who previously listed a St. Charles address, was found guilty on four counts: first‑, second‑, third‑, and fourth‑degree criminal sexual conduct.
Details of the case
The criminal complaint states that the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office received a call in September 2023 to investigate an alleged assault that had taken place at a residence in Eyota. Investigators interviewed a teenage girl who said Cogswell assaulted her on two separate occasions in 2023, when the victim was 15 years old.
According to court documents, Cogswell was questioned by a detective in October 2025 and denied any wrongdoing. The trial proceeded in Olmsted County District Court, where the jury deliberated before reaching its decision.
Sentencing
Cogswell’s sentencing has been scheduled for January. The court has not yet released details regarding the length of the sentence or any additional conditions that may be imposed.
Community response
Local residents expressed concern over the seriousness of the offenses and the impact on the victim’s family. Law‑enforcement officials emphasized the importance of thorough investigations in cases involving minors and reiterated their commitment to protecting children in the community.
The case underscores the role of the Olmsted County judicial system in addressing violent crimes against youth and serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and support for victims of sexual assault.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
