Sheriff's deputy pleads guilty, will register as sex offender

A Stearns County Sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty today to one count of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct, and two counts of providing alcohol to minors.

Sgt. Phil Meemkin made his plea as jury selection was to begin in Anoka County, where the trial was moved. He will be sentenced in June and could face jail time, but not prison.

"The plea provides a degree of certainty in a type of case that can be difficult to prove," said Paul Young, who runs the violent crimes division in the Anoka County's Attorney's Office.

"It's not a perfect result, because the damage to the victims has already been done," Young said. "What we do as prosecutors is try to get best most just result given the facts that we have."

Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner said he plans to fire Meemkin once he receives signed court documents. Sanner said Meemkin broke the public's trust and brought "disgrace" to the profession.

Meemkin has been on paid administrative leave since December 2009. Meemkin will have to register as a sex offender, and could go to prison if he does not comply with the courts probationary orders

"We know that this defendant will now be subject to long term probation. He will have to undergo sex offender treatment. We hope this would bring an end to his law enforcement career," Young said.