Winter storm warnings in northern Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

A judge has sentenced former Cook County attorney Tim Scannell to 30 days in jail for a sexual relationship with a teenage girl. 
 

The sentence, determined by Sixth District Chief Judge Shaun Floerke, comes after a Duluth jury found Scannell guilty in July of two felony counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. 

Cook County attorney found guilty of criminal sexual conduct

Scannell, the charges said, was engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl in Grand Marais when he was 46. 

Special Prosecutor Tom Heffelfinger says the victim's family feels it's a fair sentence. 

"They wanted some jail time as evidence of the criminal conduct that he'd engaged in," he said. "They were very interested in having him get treatment so this doesn't happen again. And I think the family was satisfied." 

Scannell apologizes after sexual misconduct guilty verdict

In 2011, Scannell was shot four times in the Cook County courthouse by a man he had just successfully prosecuted for criminal sexual conduct with a teenage girl. 

Scannell's attorney, Joe Tamburino, argued that his client has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression since the shooting, and that a jail sentence would be detrimental to his recovery. 

In a tearful apology, Scannell apologized to the vicitm's family, the victim, and his own family, including his wife and two sons. He said he takes responsibility for his actions. 

"I know I've betrayed them all," he said, "and the community of Grand Marais. I wish I could undo it and take it back." 

The victim's mother and father also spoke. They said the trial has taken an emotional and physical toll on their daughter, who's now in college. They said she's lost hair and weight, is withdrawn and refuses to talk to therapists.

Cook County fires convicted prosecutor Scannell

Judge Floerke said he imposed the jail sentence in part because in Scannell's position as Cook County Attorney, he was "held to a higher standard."

Scannell was also sentenced to 300 hours of community service and 10 years of probation. His attorney said his jail sentence could be reduced to 19 days with good behavior.

Crime, Law and Justice

Dan Kraker

Author

A Duluth jury found Scannell guilty in July of two felony counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct for inappropriate sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

Former Cook Co. Attorney Scannell sentenced to jail after criminal sexual conduct conviction

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox