Category: Sex Crimes

Panel plans to change the Minnesota Sex Offender Program

It was after a class action lawsuit filed by inmates of the Minnesota Sex Offender Program argued that their indefinite civil commitment was a violation of their constitutional rights that a federal judge ordered the state to change the program. It was after a foreign court refused to extradite a man accused of a sex crime to Minnesota, however, that it truly became obvious how horrible the Minnesota civil commitment program truly is. Calling it a “flagrant denial” of the suspect’s human rights, the court would not send the man to Minnesota even though there was only a chance that he would be civilly committed.

USA Swimming defends itself against allegations of sexual cover-up

Residents of Wayzata were likely watching Olympic swimming this summer as Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and other members of the American swim team took to the pool. These members of USA Swimming were just a few of the thousands of athletes who work tirelessly under the direction of their coaches. Now, people in Wayzata may have heard that USA Swimming and prominent coaches are defending themselves about sexual misconduct.

Football’s brain injuries may have wider implications

Many of the people in Golden Valley have likely heard of the numerous former NFL players who have filed suit against the football league, alleging that it hid the impact that concussions and blows to the head would have on their long-term mental health. While much of the focus is on depression, dementia and suicide, it seems there may be another factor worth considering — sexual inhibitions.

Status update: new law requires sex offenders to post on Facebook

A bill has recently been signed into law that will require anyone using Facebook or a social networking site who has also been convicted of a sex crime to post his or her status as a sex offender on his or her profile. Though this law will not affect anyone in Minnesota, it has dangerous implications and could set precedence for the Minnesota legislature.

Does a beard make you look more aggressive? Juries say ‘yes’

It may seem ridiculous to people in St. Paul, but MSNBC notes that people with beards are thought to be more aggressive and more likely to commit a violent or horrific crime, like a sex crime. All kidding aside, this poses a serious problem for bearded men who are accused of a crime.

Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges for Husband and Wife for Assault on Relative in Austin, MN

In an unusal move, a Minnesota prosecutor has charged a husband and wife both with Sexual Assault in an Austin, Minnesota case. The husband was charged with one count of first degree criminal sexual conduct. He was also charged with five counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct, and his bail was set at $500,000. The presumptive sentence under the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines for these charges is at least 144 months (12 years).

Forensics: much less reliable than you would think

Many people in Minneapolis-St. Paul know how the story goes: a man is arrested and accused of rape. As police, investigators and prosecutors try to build a case of sexual assault against the suspect, forensic experts discover some evidence that conclusively ties the suspect to the crime, landing a conviction for the prosecution. The suspect is sentenced and sent to prison.

Plea deal reached for Minneapolis officer involved in sex crimes

When one thinks of a Minneapolis officer involved in a sex crime, one thinks of the officer as part of the prosecution’s team, building a case against an alleged offender. In this case, a former Minneapolis park police officer was the defendant.

First person to be discharged from Minnesota Sex Offender Program

For the first time since its inception, the Minnesota Sex Offender Program will release its first patient. According to a report by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, a three-judge panel in Ramsey County decided to grant a provisional discharge to a 64-year-old man, after there was no objection from prosecutors or the Department of Human Services.

Conference discusses changes to sex crimes penalties

Recently, a conference was held at William Mitchell College of Law that discussed potential changes to the Minnesota Sex Offender Program. Commissioner Lucinda Jesson of the Department of Human Services, the agency responsible for carrying out the program, as well as legislators from both parties attended. The state is currently facing serious issues in the treatment of sex offenders.