An Albert Lea man who allegedly sent sexual pictures to a 14-year-old boy was charged with a felony Friday in Freeborn County District Court.

Jesse Val-Lee Johansen, 27, is charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Court documents state Johansen was charged after an Albert Lea detective was dispatched to an Albert Lea address Thursday on a report of parents of the 14-year-old finding “inappropriate” photographs and messages reportedly coming from a 27-year-old man.

Court documents state pictures and text messages sent to the alleged victim’s cellphone were sexual in nature.

In an interview with an Albert Lea Police Department detective, Johansen reportedly admitted engaging in criminal sexual conduct with the boy.

Assistant Freeborn County Attorney Abigail Lambert said conditional bail should be set at $50,000 due to the alleged facts of the case, noting Johansen admitted engaging in criminal sexual conduct.

Lawyer Jeremy Clinefelter requested Judge Ross Leuning release Johansen on his own recognizance, adding Johansen is a long-time community resident, has special needs and a learning disability and has engaged in “very little chemical use.”

Clinefelter said the sexual conduct was consensual, adding Johansen’s family was in the courtroom. He said Johansen only has one misdemeanor on his record.

Judge Ross Leuning set conditional bail at $50,000, based on what he said were Johansen’s high risk to public safety but low risk of fleeing the area.

The bail amount is contingent on Johansen not possessing or using any pornographic or sexually explicit material, having no contact with anyone under the age of 18 and following other court requirements.

Johansen’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.