BROOKINGS – A Minnesota woman has pleaded guilty and could face decades behind bars for raping a boy sometime in 2012 or 2013.
Kelsie Krueger, 30, pleaded guilty last Tuesday to one count of first-degree rape.
A Brookings County grand jury indictment says Krueger assaulted the boy between Jan. 1, 2012, and Dec. 31, 2013, when he was 2-4 years old. The abuse in Brookings County came to light from a report to a counselor and then to police in March 2019, according to a probable cause statement.
In exchange for last week’s plea, the remaining charges in the six-count indictment alleging rape and aggravated incest will be dismissed. No other charges will be brought against Krueger.
Also part of the plea agreement, the State is recommending 40 years in prison. The defense may argue for a lesser term, and the sentence is up to the court.
First-degree rape is a Class C felony punishable by up to life in prison and a $50,000 fine with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Circuit Judge Greg Stoltenburg accepted Krueger’s guilty plea Dec. 22 and ordered a pre-sentence investigation and a psychosexual evaluation. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 23.
A Brookings man, 35-year-old Randy Dexter, was charged as a co-defendant in the abuse. He was convicted in February of one count of first-degree rape for assaulting a 4-year-old girl in 2015 and was sentenced in May to 45 years in prison.
Brookings County State’s Attorney Dan Nelson credited the counselor for helping bring the abuse to light.
“The child victims who suffered under the parenting of these two violent offenders can begin the process of moving forward and beginning a new life. This case serves as one example of the tremendous importance mental health counselors play in the protection of children,” Nelson said in a statement.
“The child victim first reported the sexual abuse to his counselor, who immediately relayed that information to law enforcement. I’m proud of that counselor for creating an environment where that child felt comfortable enough to share his story. That is a very difficult job, and they deserve recognition,” Nelson added.
“By recommending 40 years in the penitentiary, the State’s Attorney’s Office will have pursued a combined 85 years between the two cases, which we felt was appropriate.”
Contact Jill Fier at jfier@brookingsregister.com.
