Otter Tail County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—On November 19, 2024, Joel Diekmann, a 22-year-old male, was booked in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, on charges of criminal sexual conduct. He was charged under Minnesota Statutes 609.342.1a(e) and 609.343.1a(e).
Minnesota Statute 609.342.1a(e) defines first-degree criminal sexual conduct as engaging in sexual penetration or contact with a person under 14 years of age when the actor is more than 36 months older than the complainant. Consent or mistake as to the complainant’s age is not a defense.
Statute 609.343.1a(e) pertains to second-degree criminal sexual conduct, involving sexual contact with a person under 14 years of age when the actor is more than 36 months older than the complainant. Similarly, consent or mistake as to the complainant’s age is not a defense.
Diekmann’s sentencing is scheduled for February 3, 2025. Under Minnesota law, first-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a penalty of up to 30 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $40,000. Second-degree criminal sexual conduct is punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $35,000.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me