Prison Term Stayed, Plus 25 Years Probation, for Oakdale Man Convicted of Sex Crime

An Oakdale man who pleaded guilty last October to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a 14-year-old girl was sentenced to 12 years in prison—stayed—and 25 years probation on Friday afternoon.

Washington County District Court Judge Gary R. Schurrer stayed the execution of Gerald E. Briggs' prison term provided the 66-year-old remains law abiding.

Briggs was also ordered to serve one year in Washington County Jail—active immediately—with furloughs for any and all medical appointments and psychotherapy sessions.

Briggs , between September of 2010 and March of 2011, according to a Washington County criminal complaint. 

Washington County prosecutor Steve Norton began the case seeking a 14-year prison term and did not waiver from that path. 

Before reading the sentence, defense attorney Sam Surface made a motion for a lesser sentence, arguing his client's actions were completely out of character. 

"This is Mr. Briggs' first foray into the criminal justice system," Surface told the judge. "He takes full responsibility for the pain he has caused. He is ashamed and terrified by his own actions. He is not a monster. He is not predatory and not a danger to the public."

Surface continued: "Mr. Briggs does not need to be incarcerated to protect the public. Justice is not served with the execution of a 12-year sentence."

Briggs referenced his family when pleading for a lesser sentence.

"The pain I've caused and the shame I've caused has been overwhelming," Briggs told the judge prior to sentencing. "I accept what I've done and I'm at peace with whatever the sentence is. I've never begged for anything in my life ... but I plead the court can come up with something to make this work, not for me, but for my family." 

Briggs' sentence also included, but is not limited to, the following conditions: 

• Pay $1,000 fine
• Cooperate with Rules of Sex Offender Supervision Unit
• Attend sex offender program (Project Pathfinders) 
• No unsupervised contact with minors without permission from probation and therapists
• No contact with victim
• Supply DNA sample
• Predatory offender registration
• No use of alcohol or controlled substance

Despite walking out of the courtroom flanked by family and friends, Surface said it was the beginning of a long road for Briggs.

"(Briggs) is still dominated by remorse and shame and embarrasment. That's still the overarching factor," Surface said. "Of course he's relieved he's not going to prison for 12 years, as anyone would be, but he's not walking out of here feeling like he got away with anything. There are massive consequences he'll be dealing with."

Neither prosecutor Steve Norton nor Washington County attorney Pete Orput were available for comment after the hearing.