Judge sticks to guidelines in Konrad sentence

Published 12:00 am Thursday, April 25, 2002

In a sentence for former Albert Lea High School band instructor Russell Allan Konrad, who was convicted for inappropriately touching his student, the county district court decided against a penalty harsher than the state sentencing guideline. But it imposed strict probation conditions, including a restriction on contact with girls under 18 and accessing adult Web sites.

Konrad, 43, was convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in a jury trial last November.

Judge James Broberg gave Konrad a 180-day jail sentence in compliance with the state guideline.

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Broberg said a pre-sentencing investigation convinced him that Konrad deserves a stricter penalty.

Referring to the investigation, County Attorney Craig Nelson said that Konrad kept denying the offense consistently and refused to enroll in a treatment program for sex offenders. He also pointed out the victim has been suffering because of the incident by losing many friends who believe in Konrad’s innocence.

Condemning Konrad as the worst kind of predator, Broberg said he does not disagree with the DOC recommendation but needs to abide by the state mandate.

Instead of sending him to prison, Broberg placed Konrad under probation for as long as 10 years.

Konrad is barred from having any form of contact with the victim and her family. He is also prohibited from contact with minors under 18, except his daughters, and browse Web sites that involve pornographic material.

Going through a sex-offender treatment program is also required. Broberg included the use of a polygraph in the program to test his truthfulness.

Defense Attorney Samuel A. McCloud said he would appeal and asked the court to delay the date Konrad needs to report to jail.