Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office has obtained a conviction in a sexual assault case after Hunter Earl Timo pleaded guilty to second degree criminal sexual conduct. The incident took place in Lake County, Minnesota, in 2024.
According to court proceedings, on June 26, 2024, Timo entered a bedroom where the victim was asleep and engaged in sexual contact with her while she was physically helpless. Timo admitted these actions during his plea hearing.
The prosecution was handled by the Attorney General’s Office following a referral from Lake County Attorney Lara Nygaard under Minnesota Statutes section 8.01. This statute allows the state attorney general to prosecute certain criminal cases upon request from county attorneys. Generally, prosecuting authority for most crimes in Minnesota is held by city and county attorneys, with the Attorney General’s Office primarily focusing on civil matters unless specifically referred or related to Medicaid fraud.
Attorney General Ellison stated, “Timo’s appalling criminal act violated basic human decency. Today, he’s being held accountable for that. As long as I am attorney general, my office will fight to deliver justice for victims and protect vulnerable Minnesotans.”
Ellison also expressed gratitude to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in investigating and prosecuting the case.
