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Opinion | I’m a Democrat. Minnesota’s pardon of this child sex abuser was inexcusable.
By Star Tribune
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
Having a family cannot excuse you from the consequences of raping a child.
Key takeaway Further details on the pardon and the author's argument can be found in the original opinion piece published in the Star Tribune.
A recent opinion piece in the Star Tribune expressed strong disagreement with Minnesota's pardon of a child sex abuser. The author, who identifies as a Democrat, found the pardon to be inexcusable.
The opinion piece emphasizes that having a family should not exempt someone from facing the consequences of their actions, specifically in cases of child rape. This sentiment is repeated for emphasis, highlighting the seriousness of the offense.
Further details on the pardon and the author's argument can be found in the original opinion piece published in the Star Tribune.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The pardon of a child sex abuser in Minnesota raises questions about the state's commitment to holding offenders accountable, particularly when it comes to crimes against vulnerable populations. In Hennepin County, where Minneapolis is located, law enforcement and social services have been working to improve responses to child abuse cases, making this pardon a concerning development. The fact that the offender had a family is not a mitigating factor, as the opinion piece rightly argues, and it is crucial that the community prioritizes the well-being and safety of victims over the personal circumstances of perpetrators. As the city moves forward, it will be important to watch how local leaders and law enforcement agencies respond to this decision and whether they will take steps to reassure the public that child sex abuse cases will be taken seriously and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
About this story
Original reporting by Star Tribune . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Star Tribune . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local Published: July 8, 2026 Source: Star Tribune Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Having a family cannot excuse you from the consequences of raping a child.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by Star Tribune and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Star Tribune. To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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