Former state trooper guilty of sexual assault

Article by: Jim Adams , Star Tribune
Updated: April 21, 2006 - 11:11 PM

The Woodbury man knew the girl, a baby sitter, and he faces a state-mandated 12-year sentence.

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A decorated former Minnesota trooper was convicted Friday of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

Lt. Scott Trautner, 41, of Woodbury, was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct by Washington County District Judge Thomas Armstrong after Trautner, who resigned from the State Patrol in December, waived a jury trial.

Trautner faces a state-mandated sentence of 12 years in prison when he is sentenced in July. Armstrong said he carefully considered the evidence and exhibits and found Trautner committed the offense.

The girl had testified that Trautner had oral sex with her one night in Woodbury.

Prosecutor Peter Ivy, an assistant Carver County attorney, handled the case to avoid any conflict of interest for the Washington County attorney's office, which had prosecuted cases in which Trautner was the arresting officer.

The incident happened in December 2004, but the girl didn't report it until April 2005 after she had a high school class on date rape and domestic assault, Ivy said. Trautner knew her, but not through his job.

Ivy said Trautner testified that he didn't sexually assault the girl, who had been a baby sitter for Trautner's 4-year-old son. Armstrong found that Trautner had a "significant relationship" with the girl, a requirement to prove the sexual assault charge against him. Trautner's attorney, John Pecchia, had no comment on the verdict.

Trautner's wife is also a trooper, as was his father.

The conviction means he cannot be an officer in Minnesota. He is free on bail until sentencing.

Trautner earned a lifesaving award for rescuing a woman from a fire, as well as 34 letters of commendation for his work as a trooper.

Jim Adams • 612-673-7658