Maple Grove Woman Pleads Guilty to Criminal Sexual Conduct

A Maple Grove woman, who worked as a Hennepin County social worker, pleaded guilty to a count of criminal sexual conduct Tuesday, May 29 for having sex with a client.

Shannon Kathleen Riley, 40, agreed to plead guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct and a second count was dropped, according to a press release from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.

Sentencing is scheduled to occur June 4 in Hennepin County District Court by Judge Daniel Moreno. Riley is expected to receive a year and a day in prison and 10 years of supervised release, according to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. Riley was released from position with Hennepin County shortly after the allegations surfaced last year.

Riley was assigned to work with an adult man who had a history of chemical dependency and past sexual abuse and also has recurring health problems. In early 2011, Riley drove him to a medical appointment as part of her duties. Afterward, she drove him to a park and engaged in sex with him, Riley admitted in court Tuesday.

According to the criminal complaint, Riley’s conduct continued for several weeks before she was caught and the man “suffered physical and chemical health setbacks” as a result of the relationship with Riley.

“This kind of conduct upon a person entrusted to her care is simply unacceptable,” Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said in the press release. “We expect more from our public employees, especially those entrusted with the treatment and care of our vulnerable adults. When they violate the public trust, they must pay a serious price.”

Editor’s note: The proceeding information was provided by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.