A Columbia Heights man held a woman down and sexually assaulted her after she repeatedly refused him, then threatened her when she managed to escape to her car.
The assault happened in February 2026 at a residence in Columbia Heights.
Danny Romel Chacon Cordova, 24, faces a charge of 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct for using force during the assault.
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Police were alerted to the situation when the victim, undergoing a sexual assault exam at Hennepin County Medical Center, reported the incident to officers. The victim told officers she knew Cordova. On the night of the assault, he was intoxicated and repeatedly requested sex, despite her declining his advances.
The complaint details that Cordova became aggressive, removing the victim’s clothing and attempting to sexually assault her. When the victim resisted, he grabbed her arms and pulled them behind her back, ignoring her pleas to stop. The victim managed to escape and fled to her vehicle, where she discovered Cordova’s phone ringing. When she answered, he threatened her, demanding she return.
The victim called 911 while Cordova continued to harass her, calling her derogatory names and attempting to touch her again. Officers noted that the victim had visible injuries consistent with the assault, including contusions and abrasions.
Cordova was arrested following the report, and a court date has not yet been set. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in prison for the 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct charge.
Cordova is currently in custody at the Anoka County Jail.
About This Charge
Minnesota’s criminal sexual conduct statutes are organized by degree under § 609.342 (first), § 609.343 (second), § 609.344 (third) and § 609.345 (fourth). First-degree convictions carry up to 30 years in prison; the lower degrees carry penalties up to 25, 15 and 10 years respectively. Cases involving minors trigger additional mandatory-minimum provisions and predatory-offender registration under § 243.166.
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Jurisdictional Context
Anoka County, north of the Twin Cities, is served by the Anoka County Attorney’s Office through the Tenth Judicial District. The Anoka County Courthouse in Anoka hears felony matters; the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office operates the Anoka County Jail.
