United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Browns Valley, Minnesota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on May 16, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Ernest Duane Barse, Jr., age 43, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Barse was indicted for aggravated sexual abuse of a child and abusive sexual contact by a federal grand jury on August 17, 2020. He pled guilty on September 10, 2021.
Between on or about April 2016 and continuing through April 2019, Barse knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual contact with Child Victim #1, a child known to Barse. Barse engaged in the sexual abuse by using force against the victim. The sexual abuse of Child Victim #1 occurred when she was under 12 years of age.
Between July 2007 and continuing through July 2008, Barse knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual contact with Child Victim #2, a child known to Barse. The sexual abuse of Child Victim #2 occurred when she was under 12 years of age, and Barse used threats or placed Child Victim #2 in fear at the time of the sexual contact.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Barse was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his sentence.