After his conviction of felony 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct earlier this month, 57 year old Robert Dale Jones of Vernon Center, has been sentenced to work release. Jones was convicted of sexually assaulting a relative. A charge of 1st degree criminal sexual conduct was dismissed as part of a plea deal.
District Court Judge Mark E. Betters stayed a three year prison sentence for seven years and sentenced Jones to 220 days in the Blue Earth County Jail, with credit for five days already served. A sentencing order says Jones will serve 220 days on work release.
In March, 2021, a girl reported to police that Jones, a relative, had forced her to touch him sexually, fondled her and raped her on a camping trip.
Jones is required to register as a predatory offender and is not allowed contact with persons under the age of 18.