Convicted Sex Offender Raped Valleyfair Employee: Police

SCOTT COUNTY, MN — A registered sex offender on probation is accused of raping a Valleyfair employee outside the amusement park's housing facility for seasonal workers. Austin Jones, 26, faces first and second-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.

Authorities say the victim was talking to her boyfriend on the phone at 1 a.m. Aug. 7 when she saw a man by a tree who looked like he needed help. When the woman approached, the boyfriend heard her say "ouch, that hurts!"

According to the criminal complaint, Jones then wrapped a belt around her neck and raped her.

Valleyfair told the Star Tribune that employees pay $38.50 a week to live in the housing facility located near Jordan and owned by Scott County. Valleyfair has someone there around the clock working to assist renters, according to a county spokeswoman.

Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar told KARE 11 the attack appears to be random.

Jones was arrested this month while on probation for raping a 14-year-old girl in 2010 at a party in Chaska.

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Image via Scott County Jail