MANKATO – Prosecutors say they will ask for an upward departure in the sentence if a former girl’s basketball coach in LakeCrystal is convicted of all five counts of 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.
28-year-old Steve Campbell was arrested in October after several students told school officials about his sexual relationship with the teenager.
In court today, Assistant Blue Earth County Attorney Chris Rovney informed the defense that he would seek the maximum sentence allowed by law if Campbell is convicted. The presumptive sentence is 140 months in prison. But Rovney says he would ask jurors to consider 180 months or 15 years.
“Frankly, it’s my intention to ask for as much as I can,” said Rovney. “He’s basically confessed to all five instances. “
Appearing in front of Judge Norbert Smith, defense Attorney Jim Fleming asked for a contested omnibus hearing. That hearing will be held on February 1st at 2:00 pm.
Fleming told the judge he would file a motion contesting a statement given to law enforcement by Campbell, along with the “search” and “probable cause.”
Specific details of what Fleming will challenge need to be outlined in a motion that has yet to be filed.
Roveny asked Fleming to provide a letter sent to the defense by the victim. Roveny says he’s unaware was is contained in the letter.
Campbell remains free on $50,000 conditional bail.