More Time Needed to Evaluate Sex Offender Program

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Four court-appointed experts who are evaluating the Minnesota Sex Offender Program are asking a federal judge for more time to finish their work.

In a letter to U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank last week, the experts said they were optimistic when they said they could have a final report by the end of this month. They are now proposing an extension until mid- or late-November.

Frank says in a document filed last week that the implications of this request will be discussed at a status conference Thursday. At a hearing in July, Frank had expressed interest in accelerating the case and getting a trial underway as soon as this fall.

The experts are reviewing MSOP as part of litigation that alleges the program is unconstitutional.