Hunter Earl Timo sentenced to seven years for sexual assault

Timo received 90-month sentence following conviction for second-degree criminal sexual conduct

May 18, 2026 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, a Lake County court sentenced Hunter Earl Timo to 90 months in prison following a June 2024 sexual assault in Two Harbors, Minnesota.  Timo pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal sexual conduct on January 5, 2026.

On June 26, 2024, Timo sexually assaulted a victim while she was asleep. At the plea hearing on January 5, 2026, Timo admitted he entered a bedroom where the victim slept and engaged in sexual contact with the victim, knowing that she was physically helpless.

Attorney General Ellison’s office prosecuted Timo upon a referral from Lake County Attorney Lara Nygaard under Minnesota Statutes section 8.01, which provides, “Upon request of the county attorney, the attorney general shall appear in court in such criminal cases as the attorney general deems proper.” The authority vested in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office is primarily civil.  Aside from referrals submitted under section 8.01 and Medicaid fraud, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office does not have prosecuting authority over most criminal acts. That authority generally rests with city and county attorneys.

“Today, Hunter Timo faced justice for his disgraceful conduct,” said Attorney General Ellison. “I hope Hunter’s sentencing can provide some measure of solace for his victim, and I am praying for her well-being in this difficult time. My office will continue to partner with local law enforcement across Minnesota to ensure people who violate the law and harm their fellow Minnesotans are held to account. I’d like to thank the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office, as well as the members of my Criminal Division, for their hard work on this case.”

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office investigated this crime.