By McKenzie Gernes/Murphy News Service

A 32-year-old man was charged Thursday with sexually assaulting a female University of Minnesota student earlier this week.

U police responded to a report of a sexual assault on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at about noon. The victim was allegedly assaulted at the corner of Delaware Street and 25th Avenue Southeast.

The victim said the man had approached her from behind and groped her vaginal area, before fleeing north toward Washington Avenue, according to the criminal complaint.

Police located the suspect based on the victim’s description and video footage of the incident. Police said they found Joseph Leonard Jennings, 32, one block away from where the alleged assault took place.

On Thursday, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office charged Jennings with felony criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree. The crime carries a maximum sentence of 10 years and/or a $6,000 to $20,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, Jennings said he “tripped and fell” and “brushed” her leg. Throughout the interview with police, the suspect said he was, “not a sexual predator,” the complaint said.

Jennings has previous convictions, which include assault in 2010, burglary in 2013, a DWI in August, and a pending assault charge in which he entered a guilty plea on Sept. 9, UPD said.

Jennings posted bail Thursday afternoon and was released from custody. U police issued the following description of Jennings as a precaution for students. Jennings is described as a white male, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, medium build, light complexion, green eyes and brown hair.

Jennings has been ordered to stay at least one mile away from the university campus, police said.

Reporter McKenzie Gernes is studying journalism at the University of Minnesota.