Elk River Man Sentenced For Sexually Assaulting Pre-Teenage Girl
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 30-year-old Elk River man will spend 30 years in prison after it was discovered that he engaged in a sexual act with a 7-year-old victim.
Leistico pleaded guilty to first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct and was sentenced by Judge Sheridan Hawley to the statutory maximum.
According to Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott, an investigation began in December 2012 when a video of Leistico engaging in a sexual act with the 7-year-old victim was discovered by a family member. The video was turned over to Sheriff's Office as evidence and Leistico was taken into custody soon after.
A search warrant was also executed and discovered that Leistico was in possession of over 1,200 images of suspected child pornography.
Assistant County Attorney Leah Emmans said she is hopeful that the lengthy prison sentence will provide some relief for the victim and her parents.
"Her mom and dad have made every court appearance. Their impact statements to the Court were a powerful reminder that no prison sentence repairs the damage that the victims and their loved ones suffer in cases such as these," Emmans said.
Leistico also awaits possible charges in Federal Court for possession and manufacturing of child pornography.
