Stearns County Investigating Repayment Options Meemken Firing

ST. CLOUD -- Stearns County is considering its next move now that a Stearns County Sheriff's sergeant has pleaded guilty in a criminal sexual conduct case.

42-year-old Phil Meemken reached a plea agreement Monday in his case.

Sheriff John Sanner immediately moved to fire Meemken from the department. However, the county is also considering its options in trying to recover more than $237-thousand in salary and benefits Meemken collected while on paid administrative leave. He had been on paid leave since December 2009.

County Administrator George Rindelaub says Meemken is a union employee and they need to do their due diligence in moving forward.  He says they are seeking legal advice on the matter because it's precedent setting for the county.

Meemken was accused of providing alcohol to minors and performing sex acts on them.  He struck a deal with Anoka County prosecutors Monday to plead guilty to one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of providing alcohol to a minor. The remaining 19 counts were dropped.