MARSHALL COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—
Middle River, MN – A Middle River man has pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct after admitting to sexually abusing an 11-year-old child over two years.
Defendant:
- Adam William Steinhauer, 38
Charges and Potential Sentence:
- First-degree criminal sexual conduct
- Faces up to 30 years in prison
- Minnesota sentencing guidelines recommend a sentence between 12 and 30 years, based on criminal history and case factors
Case Overview
Incident Timeline:
- July 2024 – The victim disclosed to authorities that Steinhauer had sexually assaulted her beginning at age 11.
- The abuse continued until she was approximately 13, according to the probable cause statement filed in court.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Pre-Sentence Investigation Ordered:
- The court has ordered a pre-sentence investigation to evaluate Steinhauer’s criminal history, risk factors, and sentencing recommendations.
Sentencing Date:
- Scheduled for 9 a.m. on May 6, 2025
Severity of the Charges:
- First-degree criminal sexual conduct is a serious felony offense in Minnesota.
- It carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
- Sentencing will be based on Minnesota’s guidelines, which recommend 12 to 30 years, considering any prior offenses or aggravating factors.
What’s Next?
At the May 6 sentencing hearing, the judge will review:
The pre-sentence investigation report findings Arguments from prosecutors and the defense Any victim impact statements presented in court
Further details will be provided following the sentencing.
Stay tuned for the latest updates.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me