The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

November 18, 2010

Charges: Sex abuse went on for years

Bail set at $1 million for Vernon Center man

By Robb Murray Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO — A Vernon Center man has been charged with sexually assaulting a girl and authorities believe the abuse may have happened more than 250 times.

Jeremy Alan Giefer, 36, faces five counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, five counts of second-degree criminal sexual  conduct, one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of incest. All are felonies.

Court documents show the victim came forward with the allegations in November, a few weeks after she says Giefer sexually assaulted her. She told authorities the abuse started when she was 9 and continued for years until reported to authorities in October.

She claimed Giefer assaulted her at a residence and that he routinely

wouldn’t let her see friends unless she acquiesced to his sexual demands.

When questioned, Giefer denied almost all of the girl’s allegations. Instead, he admitted that on a few occasions his contact with the girl could be characterized as inappropriate.

He was jailed after speaking with police and formally charged Thursday. In court, however, Assistant Blue Earth County Attorney Brian Rovney told the judge that Giefer had contacted the girl from jail.

Rovney wouldn’t comment on the nature of the conversation, but during a discussion about bail, Rovney told the judge, “We believe if he’s released, the victim is going to be under incredible pressure to recant.”

Judge George Harrelson ultimately set bail at $1 million. If Giefer agrees to have no contact with the alleged victim and submit to GPS monitoring, his bail would be reduced to $250,000.

On Nov. 16, the girl contacted a mandated reporter (such as a teacher or pastor, who are obligated to notify authorities when told of possible criminal activity involving a minor). That person contacted the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Department, and investigators began looking into it.

They spoke with the girl who outlined a seven-year history of abuse by Giefer.

She told them she

couldn’t remember much of the details from when the abuse began and that, court documents say, “She just erased it from her mind.” She told authorities that she does, however, remember him forcing her to have intercourse with him when she was 9 or 10.

She told authorities many of the assaults took place when other people have left the residence.

From court documents: “(The girl) states ... she sees him and just closes her eyes because she cannot do anything to stop him. (She) further reports that sometimes she tries to get away from Giefer and locks herself in the bathroom. (She) stated that one time he grabbed her by the arm in the corner of her room and forced her to the ground and had intercourse with her.”

Giefer denies all wrongdoing, and told authorities, “I haven’t. I’m not that type. I refuse to, but we always have wrestled around.”

During Thursday’s hearing, Brad Peyton mentioned that Giefer has no criminal record and therefore should have bail set lower than $1 million. But in court documents, Giefer is quoted saying, “I was charged 18 years ago and am not that kind of person.”

He, in fact, was charged with criminal sexual conduct in what is commonly referred to as “statutory rape” or sexual activity with a minor. He has since been pardoned on that case, however, and it cannot be part of the current proceedings.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News