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A Mall of America ride operator molested a patron after she was buckled in and with her young son along, according to authorities.

Amin I. Mohamed, 18, of Minneapolis, was charged Tuesday in Hennepin County District Court with fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Mohamed was arrested Monday and freed on bond.

The woman took her seat on the Big Rig truck ride on Sunday with her son during their visit to Nickelodeon Universe, then Mohamed slipped his hand between her legs with one finger extended, according to the gross-misdemeanor criminal complaint.

The charging document noted that the safety belt buckle was on her left hip and fastened.

Mohamed, who was not immediately available to comment about the allegations, has a court appearance scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, when legal representation should be secured for him.

Bloomington Deputy Police Chief Mike Hartley said the detective on the case "will be following up with park management and the Mall of America, [but] at this time there are no other reports of similar activity."

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482