Counting out 12 seconds is how the prosecution began closing arguments in the case against a former pastor in Gibbon.
52 year old David Radtke was found guilty by a jury in Sibley County District Court on Friday. The charges-Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and two lesser included counts of Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.
The 16 year old victim from Spain was supported in the courtroom by her parents and a few members of the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Gibbon, where Radtke had preached.
The trial stared with a full day of jury selection on Tuesday. The prosecuting County Attorney, Donald Lannoye called the detective that first interviewed Radtke and showed the video recording of that interview to the jury at the start of the trial. In the interview Radtke admits to 'inappropriately" touching the victim for about 12 seconds. Another video was shown of the victim being interviewed by Social Services. The victim also testified.
Defense Attorney, Paul Engh called a friend of the victims, Radtke's son Aaron, his wife Diane and David Radtke himself. The defense in closing arguments asked the jury to not punish Radtke for an error in judgment and consider that the contact was not of a criminal level.
Radtke is free on bond until sentencing on January 20, 2012.
A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and the judge ordered Radtke to undergo a psychosexual evaluation as part of his sentencing review.
The maximum penalty for Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct is 15 years and/or a $30,000 fine.
Radtke has also been charged with stalking and interception of electronic communication; the county will decide if they want to go to trial on those charges at a later date.
County Attorney, Lannoye praised the victim for her being so brave.
If you have been the victim of a crime and need help contact New Horizons Crisis Center:
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