In 1994, members of Congress passed legislation requiring states to keep track of individuals convicted of certain sex crimes. Since that time, state sex offender registry laws have grown more inclusive and punitive, the effects of which have served to both destroy...
Sex Crimes
The many victims of a false rape accusation
Minneapolis indie music fans may be familiar with the band Bright Eyes. The band's founder and front man, Conor Oberst has enjoyed international success as a singer and songwriter and toured the world. More recently, however, he's been the subject of much speculation,...
After 12 years in prison, retest of DNA evidence sets man free
In cases involving allegations of sexual assault or rape, all information and evidence pertaining to a case must be thoroughly investigated and examined. Today, many sex crimes investigations rely heavily upon DNA evidence. However, even in cases where DNA evidence is...
Civil commitment of 24-year-old Minnesota sexual offender overturned
We previously covered the debate over the constitutionality of Minnesota's sex offender program. Many in the state concede that, rather than provide sex offenders with treatment and rehabilitation; the program serves as a permanent holding pen for nearly 700...
Judge reverses conviction citing prosecution’s error
Cases involving accusations of sexual assault or rape are serious and should be thoroughly investigated for the sake of both the alleged victim and the accused. Criminal convictions in sex crimes cases often result in an individual being subject to harsh penalties...
Minnesota’s lack of psychiatric care may spur growth of jail, prison populations
Mental health issues are extremely prevalent amongst Americans. In fact, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, approximately 25 percent of U.S. adults and 20 percent of juveniles ages 13 to 18, report having symptoms related to some sort of mental...
Sex offender the victim in Hennepin County sexual abuse case
Sex crimes in Minnesota come with very serious consequences. This is especially true when the charges involve minors or vulnerable adults. The “vulnerable adult” classification sometimes applies when the alleged offender is in a position of power over the alleged...
Internet sex crimes can carry tough punishments
A recent case where a 56-year-old's conviction and sentence was upheld for using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime proves the at times complicated nature of Internet sex crimes. In this case, the man ended up being sentenced to five years, which in some...
Lessons to be learned from sexual assault claim against CeeLo
Recently, singer CeeLo Green made national headlines when prosecutors declined to file sexual assault charges against the 39-year-old. The case against him, and lack of evidence, also served as a reminder that not all accusations are true. This is something any...
Minneapolis prostitution sting operation concerns
Many in the Minneapolis area are no doubt talking about the recent prostitution sting operation along Lake Street. Responding to neighborhood complaints, officers conducted a prostitution sting operation between 3rd Avenue South and 17th Avenue South. In total, 53...