By Tanner Kent
The Free Press
ST PETER — A 22-year-old St. Peter man charged with criminal sexual conduct was a babysitter for the victim, who was less than 13 years old at the time.
According to the criminal complaint, there were an estimated 15 to 20 incidents of sexual contact during a three-year period from 2003 to 2005. During that period, the male victim was between 10 and 13 years old.
Douglas Arthur Labarr has been charged with nine felony counts of criminal sexual conduct, ranging from first-degree to third-degree.
Labarr has been employed for the past two years as a bus driver for Saints Bus Service, according to owner Michael Hennek. He said Labarr had a regular route for the company, which provides transportation for St. Peter Public Schools. Hennek added that Labarr did undergo a background check at the time of his hire and that “we did our due diligence.”
Furthermore, St. Peter Supt. Jeff Olson said Labarr worked for the district as a substitute custodian during the summer of 2009 but is no longer employed there. Todd Prafke, St. Peter city administrator, said Labarr was also employed by the city as a substitute transit driver and a public access production assistant. Prafke said Labarr resigned his position as a production assistant in August of 2007 and his job as a part-time transit driver in August of 2009.
The complaint stated the victim told police the first incident of sexual contact occurred in a bedroom at his home with later incidents also occurring in a shed in his backyard as well as Labarr’s home. The last incident occurred in the summer of 2005 when Labarr was already 18 years old and he asked the victim by telephone if he could come over while his parents were gone.
The most serious charges against Labarr could result in up to 30 years of prison.
St. Peter police have expressed concern there may be more victims. Anyone with more information is asked to call the St. Peter Police Department at 507-931-1550.
