Perham Man Convicted on Six Felony Sex Charges After Trial

I guess your fam doesn't approve of us eventually marrying lol." Shannon Lee Hill sent that text to an underage girl under 16 years old. It was among the messages a sheriff's investigator found on the girl's phone, and it became part of the evidence an Otter Tail County District Court judge considered before convicting Hill, 41, of rural Perham, on six felony sex charges.

Hill was found guilty of three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, all felonies, following a district court trial in Fergus Falls. Court records state he engaged in sexual contact with the girl on multiple occasions in Otter Tail County. After the most recent incident, the sheriff's investigator reviewed the text message history on the girl's phone. In addition to the marriage comment, the girl reported that Hill had sent her other messages about how he felt about her.

Judge Sharon Benson denied a motion for acquittal after the verdict and ordered a pre-sentence investigation. Hill's sentencing is scheduled for May 28.

In a bench trial, the judge rather than a jury acts as the finder of fact, weighing all testimony and evidence before rendering a verdict. This differs from the more common jury trial, in which the defendant's guilt is decided by a panel of peers. In a bench trial, the defendant waives that right and the determination rests entirely with the judge. Judge Benson found Hill guilty on all six counts.

First-degree criminal sexual conduct is the most serious sex offense category under Minnesota law, carrying a statutory maximum of 30 years per count. Second-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum of 25 years per count. The pre-sentence investigation, typically compiled by a probation officer and covering the defendant's background, victim impact, and sentencing recommendations, will inform Judge Benson's decision on May 28.

Anyone who has experienced sexual violence can reach the Minnesota Crime Victim Support Line at (866) 385-2699, available around the clock. The Day One Crisis Line, which routes callers to the nearest local services across the state, is available at (866) 223-1111.