Prison Sentence Stayed for Man Who Sexually Assaulted a Child

ST. CLOUD -- A man who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child has been sentenced to 25 years probation. If he violates any of the terms of that probation, he could spend three years in prison.

Thirty-five-year-old Ryan Ritter of St. Stephen pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in May. He also pleaded guilty to a second charge of fleeing police in a motor vehicle.

In June of 2016, Ritter was arrested after a girl told investigators that he had touched her inappropriately while they were taking a bath together at a home in Collegeville Township.

Ritter must abide by several conditions of his release, including register as a predatory offender, attend counseling, attend a sex offender program and avoid mood altering chemicals. Court records also indicate he cannot see the girl unless approved by a therapist or community corrections agent for therapy.

Ritter gets credit for 26 days he served in the Stearns County Jail.