Former prison employee faces assault charge

STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) -- A former Stillwater prison employee is charged with sexually assaulting an inmate.

A criminal complaint says a 21-year-old inmate told state corrections officials and a Washington County sheriff's detective that Dean Huhta made sexual advances and touched him inappropriately on several occasions.

The 40-year-old Chisago City man has been charged with one count of criminal sexual conduct by a corrections employee. Huhta told investigators his hands may have touched the inmate's groin area while they were ``playing games.''

The St. Paul Pioneer Press says Huhta worked for the prison's industries program and helped inmates make products that are sold to the public. Huhta did not immediately return a call for comment.

___

Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.