Eagan Man Charged With First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct Involving a Teenage Family Member; Prosecutors Cite Prior Sex Offense History
Published: August 3, 2026
EAGAN, MINNESOTA: A 61-year-old Eagan man with a documented history of prior sexual offense convictions is facing a new felony charge after Dakota County prosecutors allege he sexually assaulted a teenage member of his household.
According to a criminal complaint filed Monday in Dakota County District Court, David Lee Ehrlich, of Eagan, has been charged with one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Victim Under 18 – Significant Relationship), a felony under Minnesota law.
The charge carries a potential prison sentence of 12 to 30 years, along with substantial fines, if convicted.
Investigation Began After Report From Mandated Reporter
According to the complaint, the investigation began on July 31, 2026, after an officer with the Eagan Police Department received a report of suspected criminal sexual conduct. Court documents state that a mandated reporter notified authorities after a 15-year-old girl disclosed during a medical visit that she had been sexually assaulted by her stepfather.
The complaint alleges the victim was later interviewed at the Midwest Children's Resource Center, where she described an incident that allegedly occurred during the early morning hours of July 31, 2026, inside the family's residence.
Because the alleged victim is a juvenile, Limitless Media News is not identifying her or publishing additional details that could reveal her identity.
Significant Relationship Alleged
Prosecutors allege Ehrlich lived in the same residence as the victim and had a "significant relationship" with her, an aggravating factor under Minnesota law that elevates the alleged offense.
The allegations contained in the complaint have not been proven in court, and Ehrlich is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Prosecutors Seek High Bail
At Ehrlich's initial court appearance, prosecutors requested $500,000 bail along with numerous release conditions, arguing he poses a significant danger based on both the allegations in the current case and his criminal history. The judge ultimately set interim conditions at $150,000 with conditions. As of the writing of this story, Ehrlich has not posted bail and remains in custody at the Dakota County Jail.
In their bail memorandum, prosecutors argued that the defendant has a lengthy history involving sexual misconduct. According to court filings, Ehrlich previously pleaded guilty in a Scott County case to Fifth-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct after originally being charged with Attempted Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct involving the child of a girlfriend.
The filing also references additional prior criminal history, including:
A 2003 California conviction for Annoy or Molest a Child.
A 2013 Hennepin County conviction for Indecent Exposure.
Prosecutors further noted that a prior civil lawsuit involving one of Ehrlich's former employers alleged inappropriate sexual conduct toward a female coworker. Those allegations are referenced in the court's bail memorandum and are separate from the criminal charges currently before the court.
As with all criminal cases, the complaint represents allegations made by prosecutors based on the evidence gathered during the investigation. A criminal charge is not a conviction, and Ehrlich is entitled to the presumption of innocence throughout the judicial process unless proven guilty in court.
Pictured: David Lee Ehrlich. Provided by the Dakota County Jail.
