Austin man facing five criminal sexual conduct charges in Mower County District Court

An Austin man who allegedly sexually abused a female who was known to him on five or six different occasions starting when she was 13 years old has been charged with five felonies in Mower County District Court.  

29-year old Jerome Anthony Watkins, who denied the allegations, telling authorities he believed the victim was making up the story at the request of her mother was charged Tuesday with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, victim 13-15, position of authority, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, victim 13-15, significant relationship, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, victim 13-15, significant relationship, multiple acts, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, victim 13-15, position of authority, and second-degree criminal sexual conduct, victim 13-15, significant relationship. 

Watkins is scheduled to make his next appearance in Mower County District Court on June 11th.