‘An Equal Opportunity Ensployes Who Values Diversity STATE OF MINNESOTA ‘OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL LORISWANSON SEAUL uN ses ASTORNEY GONERAL March 16, 2017 STHUEHOND fo) 296096 Mr. Michael Volpe Dear Mr. Volpe: [ thank you for you correspondence receivest on March 6 and 8, 2917, You wrote an article that appeared in Communities Digital News (CDN) on March 2, 2017, titled “5 Amendment Violations, Witness Tampering, Alleged in Rucki Case.” The article discusses information related to four deprivation of parental rights cases in Dakota County, arising out of Sandra Grazzini-Rucki’s actions pertaining to her daughters, In the article, you discuss your emails to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, the judge in the cases, and the Lakeville Police Department, which investigated the case, requesting explanations for their actions, and which have not been answered. You ask about the law regarding tampering with witnesses in Minnesota, You also question the probation officer's assignment of Sandra Grazzini-Rucki to XIP status. While this Office has no authority in the Grazzini-Rucki case, I can tell you the following, which I hope will be helpful: First, Minnesota Statutes section 609.498 defines the crime of witness tampering in Minnesota. I enclose a copy of the statute for your review. Second, the Minnesota Legislature delegated the authority to prosecute criminal matters to the county attorney, who was elected by the voters of that county. It delegated the authority to investigate critainal matters to the county sheii'T (wis i 7.x >sted Ly the voiers of che county) and, in some circumstances, the municipal police department, It did not delegate any such authority to this Office, nor did the Legislature delegate any authority to this Office over the local elected officials who are responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal matters. Accordingly, I recommend that you continue to aticmpt to contact the following public officials: Jeff Long, Chief of Police James C. Backstrom Lakeville Police Department Dakota County Attomey 9237 183" Street West Dakota County Judicial Center Lakeville, MN 55044 1560 Highway 55 952-985-2800 Hastings, MN 55033-2392 651-438-4438 sl (6192974199 « TTY (651) 297-2 «Tl Fw in (800) 657.978 (oe), 80) 266 48 . BPs on 50% weld paper ‘post consumer content)Mr. Michael Volpe March 16, 2017 Page 2 Third, the Director of Community Corrections in Dakota County has authority over the supervision of probation officers in Dakota County. I recommend that you share your concems about Ms. Grazzini-Rucki’s probation to: Brian Kopperud, Director Dakota County Community Corrections 14955 Galaxie Avenue Apple Valley, MN. 55124 Telephone: 651-554-6065 [thank you again for your correspondence. Sincerely, Faia Slander, LAURA FLANDERS Legal Assistant Enclosure: Minnesota Statutes section 609.498,