Scannell trial set for July

A July jury trial has been set for Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell’s sexual misconduct case.

The trial, scheduled for five days, will begin July 21 at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth, according to a report in the Duluth News Tribune.  The parties also will be in court for a final pre-trial conference hearing on July 3.

Scannell is charged with two-counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct for an alleged physical relationship with a 17-year-old girl. Although it’s a Cook County case, the parties agreed to a change of venue last November, moving the trial to Duluth.

Scannell was indicted in October by a grand jury, which heard testimony that he kissed the girl and touched her private parts during two consensual incidents in his family van in August 2012. Scannell has been described as a family friend, coach, mentor and advisor to the girl.
Because the age of consent in Minnesota is 16, the case is expected to hinge on whether Scannell was in a position of authority over the girl at the time of the physical acts.

Sixth Judicial District Chief Judge Shaun Floerke will preside over the trial.