Subject Of Pawlenty Pardon Held On Bail Violation

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) -- A convicted sex offender whose pardon caused a political headache for Gov. Tim Pawlenty has landed back in jail for violating a condition of his release.

The Mankato Free Press reports that Jeremy Giefer is jailed in Blue Earth and his bail has been quadrupled to $1 million.

Giefer is accused of sexually assaulting a girl during a seven-year period. Authorities cited him on Friday for coming within 100 yards of the girl.

Giefer's attorney Robert Docherty argued unsuccessfully in Blue Earth County court Monday that the encounter was coincidence.

In 2008, Giefer was pardoned for an old criminal sexual conduct charge by a three-member board that included Pawlenty. The governor has since asked that Giefer be investigated for lying on his pardon application.

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