WINONA, Minn. – Pothead barber Stephen Thomas Conlin was charged with sexual assault on a teen-age girl on the floor of his St. Charles headshop. The girl told police that she blacked out at Conlin’s store, the Buzz Shop, after sampling a bong. Bail for Conlin, age 64, was set at $50,000 in Winona County District Court. Although known to police for repeated marijuana arrests over the years and serving prison time, Conlin is perhaps best known for running for mayor of St. Charles in 2012. At the time he ran a barber shop. Although arrested and convicted for dealing marijuana, he kept kept campaigning. He lost regardless.
The girl’s allegations
A juvenile girl, identified in court records as between 14 and 16. said she passed out after smoking from a bong that had been prepared by Conlin. She said she woke up on the floor being sexually touched. Her vision, she said, was not right: “The colors were weird, and things were delayed.” She quoted Conlin: “I am such a perv. I am sorry. Are you OK?” Fearing she would black out again, she fled. As she left, she reported Conlin saying: “I’m such a perv. I shouldn’t have done that. You’re really pretty. Come back anytime, honey.” Atound school, she said, it was common knowledge that Conlin would “smoke you up for free” She said he offered her discounts on marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
No customers for now. Signage is simpls ad direct: Hand-letered blocks “B,”U,” “Z” and “Z.” on windows. On North End of St. Charles.at 934 Wabasha Avenue.
Conlin. Charged on three counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.