The mayor of Halstad, Minn., is taking a leave of absence after being accused of rape. Steve Sortland, 44, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault.
According to the criminal complaint, Sortland pushed a female victim to do sexual acts after she said no. The victim said Sortland told her that he didn’t know if he should kill her or take off so no one could find him. His next court date is June 12th.
In a letter presented to the Halstad City Council Monday night, he said he was taking the leave to protect the good name of the city.
