UPDATED - Prior Lake Man Charged With Four Felony Criminal Sexual Conduct Counts Involving Teenager
Published: September 17th, 2026 | Last Updated: September 18, 2026 at 4:35 PM.
SCOTT COUNTY, MN: — A Prior Lake man who previously received a mortgage-free home through a program honoring military veterans has been charged with four felony counts of criminal sexual conduct after prosecutors allege he repeatedly sexually assaulted a teenager over a period spanning more than two years.
Efferim Vincent Tillman, 50, faces two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct in Scott County District Court. The allegations contained in the criminal complaint have not been proven in court. Tillman denied the allegations when interviewed by investigators.
Limitless Media is withholding the victim's identity, relationship to the defendant, and information that could identify the minor. For that reason, certain details in the criminal complaint have also been omitted or generalized.
Investigation Began After Tip to Police
According to the criminal complaint, a Prior Lake Police Department detective received a crime tip on September 15, 2026, alleging that a 16-year-old girl was being sexually assaulted by Tillman. Investigators located and interviewed the teenager later that day.
The teenager told investigators that the alleged abuse had been occurring for nearly three years, according to the complaint. Prosecutors allege the first assault occurred on February 13, 2024, when the victim was under the age of 16. The complaint alleges Tillman sexually assaulted the teenager and that the alleged abuse continued afterward. According to prosecutors, the teenager reported that sexual assaults occurred approximately weekly.
Limitless Media is withholding some of the more graphic details contained in the criminal complaint because they are not necessary to explain the nature of the allegations.
Complaint Alleges Abuse Continued Into September 2026
Prosecutors allege the abuse continued after the teenager turned 16. The teenager reported another alleged assault on September 14, 2026, one day before police learned of the allegations. According to the complaint, Tillman allegedly contacted the teenager and asked her to meet with him. She told investigators that Tillman then sexually assaulted her. Investigators say the teenager later recorded portions of a conversation with Tillman.
According to the complaint, the recording captured a discussion in which the teenager referenced the need for secrecy because of her age. Prosecutors allege Tillman acknowledged that the difference between their ages would "not" look good. The complaint states investigators interviewed additional people as part of their investigation. Limitless Media is withholding details about those individuals and their connections to the case because that information could contribute to identifying the minor victim.
Law enforcement also interviewed Tillman. According to the complaint, Tillman denied the allegations.
Four Felony Charges Filed
Tillman faces two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Count one stems from the alleged February 13, 2024 assault and charges Tillman with first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a victim under 16 and an individual who had what Minnesota law defines as a significant relationship with the victim.
Count two alleges multiple acts of sexual abuse occurred over an extended period between February 13, 2024, and January 22, 2026. According to the criminal complaint, each first-degree charge carries a potential sentence of no less than 12 years and no more than 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $40,000.
Tillman also faces two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Count three stems from the alleged September 14, 2026 assault and involves a complainant who was at least 16 but under 18 and an individual who had what state law defines as a significant relationship with the complainant. Count four alleges multiple acts occurred between January 23 and September 14, 2026. Each third-degree charge carries a maximum potential sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $30,000, or both.
The potential penalties listed in the criminal complaint are statutory penalties and do not necessarily represent the sentence Tillman would receive if convicted.
Bail Set at $500,000 With Conditions
A release order filed September 17th in Scott County District Court set Tillman's bail at $500,000 with conditions or $1 million without conditions.
The court ordered Tillman to remain law-abiding, keep the court and his attorney informed of address changes, and comply with active court orders. The release order also states that Tillman is to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18.
His next court appearance is listed for September 18 at 9:45 a.m.
Tillman Previously Received Mortgage-Free Home Through Veterans Program
Tillman previously received public recognition for his military service. On Veterans Day in November 2021, Building Homes for Heroes announced that Tillman was among veterans receiving a mortgage-free home through an initiative supporting military veterans. The organization identified Tillman at the time as a U.S. Army sergeant.
PulteGroup also announced that its Built to Honor program was providing a newly constructed home in its Trillium Cove community in Prior Lake. The Minnesota home was among homes awarded to veterans and their families through the program in 2021.
FOX 9 reported from the Veterans Day home dedication that Tillman had served in the Army for 16 years before being medically discharged because of injuries sustained during his service.
The home was constructed and decorated through a partnership between Pulte Homes' Built to Honor program and Building Homes for Heroes. The veterans program and 2021 home dedication have no alleged connection to the criminal charges filed against Tillman.
Tillman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Written By: Juan Perez & Will Wight