Ex-Chisago County sheriff to serve 6 months in jail in criminal sexual conduct case
CHISAGO COUNTY, Minn. — Former Chisago County Sheriff Richard Duncan has been sentenced Friday on third-degree criminal sexual conduct after he was accused of blackmailing and sexually assaulting a woman.
Duncan pleaded guilty to the criminal sexual conduct charge in November 2023. As part of his plea agreement, Duncan received a stayed prison sentence of 57 months, but will serve six months of probationary jail time.
In 2017, Duncan admits he texted the victim, saying a blackmailer wanted the two of them to act like they were having an affair. She said he told her if she didn't, the blackmailer would kill her and her family.
Duncan then sexually assaulted her, while promising protection. The blackmailer turned out to be Duncan himself.
At the sentencing hearing, the victim did speak, telling the judge and the court that the entire ordeal has put her family in turmoil and taken away her confidence and self-worth. She says as a mother of two boys, she's lived in fear for the past six years.
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Duncan also spoke and apologized to the victim, her family and the community in general. He said he's saddened and disgraced by his actions and is committed to his mental health. He also said he would do everything the court asked of him.
Duncan was also ordered not to have contact with the victim or her family. He will be on probation for 15 years. Duncan's attorney, Chris Wachtler, declined to comment after the sentencing.