Charges: Predatory Sex Offender Contributed To Teen's Delinquency

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A predatory sex offender, who was caught with a 16-year-old boy in a Lakeville park last winter, is now charged with contributing to the boy's delinquency.

Eugene Ronald Eggert, 55, was convicted in 2011 in a criminal sexual conduct case involving underage drinking.

The latest incident involving Eggert was in the early morning of Dec. 3, 2015, when an officer discovered him parked in a vehicle at Ritter Park with a teen.

The boy told police that he has known Eggert for some time, and he uses him for late-night rides.

He admitted to officers that he lied about having an argument with his mom, and his girlfriend drove him from his dad's house to his mom's house -- where Eggert picked him up soon after.

The boy's father, who picked him up at the scene, said he was not allowed to leave the house, and snuck out. The boy was cited for violating his curfew.

Police found alcohol behind Eggert's passenger-side seat, but say neither showed signs of intoxication. Eggert told officers that his friend left the alcohol in his car.

Eggert also told police that he has never had any sexual activity with the boy, but he did find him attractive.

He was charged with a gross misdemeanor, and could face up to a year in prison if convicted.