Man arrested for exposing himself at Rosemount library

• Photo: Mark Pappas

Mark Pappas has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct for exposing himself at the Robert Trail Library.

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Rosemount police arrested a 61-year-old Eagan man Friday at the Robert Trail Library for allegedly exposing his genitals.

Mark Pappas has been charged with two counts of fifth degree criminal sexual conduct.

Police started an investigation May 8 after receiving reports of a man exposing himself at the library, according to a criminal complaint filed in the Dakota County Attorney’s office. During the investigation police learned Pappas regularly visited the library between 3 to 6 p.m. at the same time as kids from Rosemount Middle School arrived to do their homework or wait for a ride. According to the complaint, Pappas had been visiting the library at around the same time each day since it opened in 2009. Library staff told police he had never checked out a book.

Police set up surveillance in the library, during which they watched Pappas choose a seat near the newspaper section. The criminal complaint states that Pappas looked into a study room where three teenage girls estimated, to be in about eighth grade, were sitting.

According to the complaint, the officer saw Pappas take a large book onto his lap and rub it up and down several times from his groin to his knees. The officer also saw Pappas put his left hand underneath the book and saw him manipulate and pinch his penis. At one point Pappas stuck his hand down his inner left thigh area of his shorts and pulled his penis into a position where the officer was able to observe it.

Police also spoke to several teenagers who reported that they had seen Pappas exposing his penis.

After his arrest, Pappas told police he was not masturbating. In the criminal complaint Pappas stated that he did not wear underwear and he had a habit of putting his feet up on the footrest. When asked if was excited by the thought of someone seeing his penis at the library he stated, “Maybe I’m being a little risqué … maybe I’m hoping someone will see me.”

Pappas is being held at Dakota County Jail. His first court appearance will be May 15.

Tags: crime and courts, news, rosemount, crime