HASTINGS, Minn — A Minnesota Department of Corrections officer has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct after having sexual relations with an inmate while transporting the detainee to another prison.
Randy Beehler, who has worked with the Department of Corrections for 25 years, has been charged with third and fourth degree criminal sexual conduct after an incident on Sept. 30 when Beehler was transporting an inmate from Olmsted County Jail to Hennepin County Jail.
"It is a felony under Minnesota law for a correctional officer to engage in sexual acts with a person who is a resident of a jail, prison, detention center or work release facility under supervision of the correctional system," said Chief Deputy of the Dakota County Attorney's officer Kathy Keena in a release.
"Consent by the individual is not a defense. Criminal activity of this nature is a significant breach of trust. I wish to commend the Victim for the courage to report these allegations to law enforcement."
According to the Dakota County Attorney's office, Beehler had sexual relations with the inmate, an adult female, on Sept. 30 when the 53-year-old officer stopped in Cannon Falls, Minn. at a McDonald's.
The victim indicated that she would "do anything" for some food and Beehler asked if it included "fooling around" in the front seat.
Beehler bought the two food and parked the vehicle outside of an abandoned business, where the inmate performed sexual acts on Beehler.
The Dakota County Attornery's release said that Beehler initially denied any inappropriate conduct but authorities said he later admitted that the victim performed sexual acts.
"In addition to violating the law, the actions of the accused officer are absolutely contrary to the core values of the Minnesota Department of Corrections," said Minnesota Department of Corrections commissioner Paul Schnell in a statement. "The conduct described in the criminal complaint is disturbing, and does not reflect the professionalism of the more than 4,000 agency personnel who serve with integrity and honor. Our immediate concern is for the victim of this crime."
Beehler appeared in Dakota County District Court on Thursday and had his bail set at $50,000 without conditions ($20,000 with conditions). His next court appearance is set for Dec. 11.
