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Hastings, MN (KROC-AM News) - A former employee of the Minnesota Department of Corrections has pleaded guilty in the case involving a female detainee who alleged she was sexually assaulted while being transported from the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center to the Hennepin County Jail.

54-year-old Randy Beehler entered into a plea agreement in Dakota County Court on Wednesday and admitted to a felony charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. A third-degree count was dismissed.

According to the criminal complaint, Beehler was transporting the woman to Minneapolis on September 30, 2019, when she offered that she would "do anything" for some food after the correctional officer indicated he would be stopping for some food at a McDonald's drive-through in Cannon Falls. The woman told investigators that Beehler responded by asking if that included "fooling around."

After stopping for the food, the woman stated that Beehler parked at an abandoned business, uncuffed her, and brought her to the front seat of the transport vehicle before the two engaged in sex acts while traveling on Highway 52. The court document indicated Beehler initially denied the allegations but later admitted to having sexual contact with the woman. State law prohibits any sexual contact between the correctional officer and the DTD even if it is consensual.

Beehler is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9th.

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