ELK RIVER, MINNESOTA — An Elk River man has been charged with four offenses stemming from allegations that he exposed himself to two girls, ages 6 and 8, and attempted to engage in sexual conduct with them at a home-based daycare, according to a criminal complaint filed in Sherburne County District Court. Bryan Michael Bernardson, 50, faces two felony counts of attempted criminal sexual conduct involving children under 14, one felony count of soliciting a child to engage in sexual conduct, and one gross misdemeanor count of indecent exposure involving a child under 16. According to the criminal complaint, police were notified November 4 of allegations involving the two girls at a daycare residence on 196th Lane Northwest in Elk River. The alleged incidents occurred the previous day, November 3. What the Criminal Complaint Alleges The complaint states that between approximately 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on November 3, the licensed daycare provider left the residence to vote and left her husband, identified as Bernardson, in charge of the children. According to court documents, the 6-year-old girl told investigators that Bernardson offered the girls Skittles, placed the candy in his pocket and made them retrieve it if they wanted one. The complaint further alleges that Bernardson exposed himself to both girls and took the younger child into a bathroom near the home’s office. Prosecutors allege the conduct involved attempts to engage in sexual contact with children under 14. One of the felony charges also alleges Bernardson attempted to establish a relationship of trust with a child for the purpose of future sexual conduct. Court Proceedings Bernardson was released Monday after posting $100,000 bond with conditions, according to court records. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 3. The criminal complaint identifies the location as a daycare residence on 196th Lane Northwest but does not name the daycare business. Its current licensing status was not specified in the charging documents. Bernardson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Source: Criminal complaint filed November 6 in Sherburne County District Court.