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A cold case concerning a sexual assault that allegedly took place in Stacy 14 years ago,   was brought back to life last year with DNA matching reported to local authorities by state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension labs.  The suspect tied to the genetic evidence was first charged with lesser severity of criminal sexual offenses in December 2023— but he has more recently been indicted for two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree by a grand jury in Center City.  

The Chisago County Attorney explained Monday this week the indictment allows the county to seek a life sentence for 44-year-old Donald Edmond Warner, if he is convicted.  

“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing for the victim...and for the community as a whole,” said County Attorney Janet Reiter. “My office will work hard to ensure victims receive justice.”

Warner, a North Branch resident,  was also charged separately in connection with a sexual assault of a Lindstrom woman on her way home from a night time Karl Oskar Days event in 2017.   Lakes Area Chief of Police Bill Schlumbohm declined to make any statements and said any comments regarding the subject, Warner, will have to come through the county.  

In Chisago County, under a unique state statute,  crimes are prosecuted by the county attorney, there are no criminal cases filed or pursued by municipal level legal counsel.

Warner has another court appearance on July 2.

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