Watch CBS News

Ex-Cop's Jail Sentence For Luring Girls On Facebook Extended

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A former Minneapolis Police officer who was previously sentenced to two and a half years in prison for luring underage girls on Facebook had his sentence more than tripled on Thursday.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals earlier reversed Bradley Schnickel's 30-month sentence, saying that the district court judge's decision to depart from the sentencing guidelines on a downward departure "improperly relied exclusively on offender-related factors."

Those factors included Schnickel, 34, showing remorse for his actions, acceptance of responsibility and a demonstrated willingness for treatment.

Investigators found more than 700 Facebook contacts Schnickel had made with middle school and high school-aged girls on his computer. He admitted to posing as a younger man in his 20s, even though he was a decade older and married with children.

Schnickel pleaded guilty in February 2014 to charges of criminal sexual conduct, attempted criminal sexual conduct and engaging in electronic communications relating to or describing sexual conduct with a child.

On Thursday, Anoka County District Judge James Cunningham sentenced Schnickel to eight and a half years in prison.

"We are satisfied with the new sentence and hope that the victims and their families can move on to heal from this terrible ordeal," Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo said. "Many lives have been affected by this case."

Schnickel will be required to submit a sample of his DNA as part of his new sentence, and will have to register as a sex offender and submit to supervision by the Minnesota Department of Corrections for the remainder of his life.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.