Prosecutor ordered away from teen girl

DULUTH — Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell, who was shot and seriously wounded a year ago by the sex offender he had just prosecuted, has been ordered by the court to stay away from a 17-year-old girl he’s accused of starting a romantic relationship with.

According to the petition seeking the restraining order, signed by both of the girl’s parents, Scannell, 46, is known to the victim and her family as a friend, coach, mentor and volunteer. The two sets of parents and their children socialized together.

The girl’s mother said that Scannell came to her place of employment on Sept. 25 and told her he loved her daughter and that his relationship with her became physical over the summer with “kissing and touching, but nothing illegal.” The age of consent in Minnesota is 16.

Joe Tamburino, Scannell’s Minneapolis attorney, was reached by phone at his home Thursday night and defended his client.

“Mr. Scannell has not committed a crime or any act of harassment,” Tamburino said “This incident did not involve his position as the Cook County Attorney, nor was he in any position of authority during any of the alleged events. ... Mr. Scannell intends to continue his duties at the Cook County Attorney’s Office and trusts that this will resolve quickly.”

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