Cook County Attorney Charged With Sex Misconduct

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. (AP) - The lead prosecutor in Cook County is being charged with sexual misconduct for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

County Attorney Tim Scannell was charged Thursday with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Reports say the charges come after a nearly seven-month investigation by former U.S. Attorney Thomas Heffelfinger, who was appointed to review the case.

The relationship between Scannell and the girl came to light when the girl's family filed a restraining order last year. The girl's mother said Scannell told her he loved her daughter and was having a physical relationship that involved "kissing and touching, but nothing illegal."

His attorney did not immediately return a message left by The Associated Press. Scannell's voicemail says he is on medical leave indefinitely.