Former Mpls. cop convicted of criminal sexual misconduct with 16-year-old girl

David Edward Campbell
David Edward Campbell
Courtesy of Hennepin County Sheriff's Office

A former Minneapolis police officer has been found guilty of multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a 16-year-old girl. David Edward Campbell, 60, committed the crimes against a teenager who was dating his son and living with the Campbell family.

Since Campbell chose to waive his right to a jury trial, prosecutors outlined their case against the retired police officer in a written closing argument. Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Thad Tudor listed the evidence against Campbell, including bank records showing that Campbell, who was 59 at the time of the crimes, bought lingerie for his victim.

"There may have been a handful of occasions in the history of civilized society when a 59-year-old man purchased Victoria's Secret underwear for a 16-year-old girl without any sexual thoughts or intentions," wrote Tudor. "However, the evidence in this case makes it abundantly clear that this was not one of those occasions."

The evidence also included Facebook direct messages between Campbell and the girl in which he urged her to send him pictures of her wearing the underwear he bought her.

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Campbell was also convicted of illegally touching the girl and forcing her to touch him through his clothing, including while on duty and in his squad car. Evidence submitted to the judge included a still image from Campbell's body-worn camera showing the girl in his car. The girl also posted pictures on social media she took during a ride-along with Campbell in his squad car.

In his closing argument, defense attorney Dan Homstad said he didn't want to demean the girl or her problems, but he described the teenager as "a troubled youth — with a reputation for untruthfulness."

Homstad wrote, "Is it inconceivable that fabricated accusations could arise from those troubles or from some desperate desire for some — for any — attention?"

Campbell was convicted of seven felonies, including threatening the girl with violence if she spoke about their relationship and stalking.

Both Campbell and his attorney declined to comment following the verdict.

Judge Tamara Garcia allowed Campbell to remain out of custody even though he faces between three and nearly five years in prison. Sentencing is set for Dec. 3.