Roseau Child Harassment Case Sparks 600-Signature Petition
ROSEAU, Minn. (northwestmnnow.com) — A felony harassment case involving three children has sparked growing concerns about child safety in Roseau.
More than 600 people have signed an online petition calling for stronger protections and closer monitoring of offenders.
The petition follows the arrest of Nicholas James Gerulli Jr., 49, of Roseau.
Gerulli faces a felony harassment charge involving allegations of sexual or aggressive behavior toward children.
Three Children Report Harassment at Roseau Burger King
According to court documents, the incident happened around 9 p.m. September 20, 2026.
Three children, ages 11, 10, and 10, reported being followed into the Burger King restaurant in Roseau.
A restaurant manager contacted police after witnessing concerning behavior involving the children.
The children told investigators Gerulli approached them and made inappropriate sexual comments and gestures.
The manager reportedly directed Gerulli to leave the restaurant.
However, the children told investigators the encounters continued after they left Burger King.
According to the complaint, Gerulli later drove past them near Center Street and Main Avenue.
He allegedly made another inappropriate gesture and asked where they lived before leaving.
Suspect Released After Posting $500 Bond
Gerulli was charged with felony harassment involving aggravating factors related to the victims’ ages and alleged conduct.
He was released after posting a $500 bond, according to court records cited in local reporting.
The release raised concerns among some Roseau residents who questioned whether existing safeguards were sufficient.
Gerulli is presumed innocent of the new charge unless proven guilty in court.
Roseau Mother Starts Petition Demanding Change
Andrea Erickson, a Roseau resident and mother of two, launched a Change.org petition following the allegations.
The petition collected 611 signatures by Thursday, October 8.
Erickson says she wants authorities to strengthen protections for children and families.
“Change needs to happen,” Erickson told Valley News Live.
Her petition requests increased monitoring, stronger enforcement of existing laws, and additional support for affected families.
It also calls for counseling and educational programs focused on child safety.
Residents can read the Roseau County child safety petition online.
Previous Convictions Raise Community Concerns
Local reporting citing Minnesota court records identifies several previous convictions involving Gerulli.
Those records include restraining-order violations in 2018, 2020, and 2021.
A fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct conviction was also reported in 2015.
Erickson says the prior cases have added to residents’ concerns about child safety.
She also described hearing allegations about past conduct from other community members.
Those additional accounts have not been established as facts in the current criminal case.
Residents Call for Stronger Child Safety Measures
Supporters have shared personal concerns through comments attached to Erickson’s petition.
Several describe encounters they consider troubling and ask officials to take additional precautions.
Erickson says she has contacted county leaders about the petition and proposed changes.
She told reporters she had not received a response as of October 8.
The petition seeks stronger monitoring of offenders and more resources for families.
Next Court Hearing Scheduled for October 26
Gerulli is scheduled to appear in Roseau County District Court on October 26, 2026.
The upcoming proceeding is an omnibus hearing.
Additional case information can be found through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Readers can also visit the Roseau County District Court website.
The case and petition were detailed in reporting by Valley News Live.
All new criminal allegations remain subject to the court process.
I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.
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