United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of RODNEY KEITH THOMPSON, 53, for corruptly soliciting a bribe.THOMPSON entered his guilty plea earlier today, before Judge Susan Nelson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was charged via felony information on Nov. 13, 2018.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, THOMPSON used his position and authority as then Superintendent of the Shakopee School District, to obtain personal benefits from a company interested in being awarded contracts with the Shakopee School District. THOMPSON solicited home improvement projects, personal travel, and attendance at sporting events in exchange for contracts with the School District.
“Mr. Thompson was a trusted member of the Shakopee community. Parents, teachers, staff, and students trusted him to act with integrity to make the right decisions in the best interest of the Shakopee schools," said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “He chose to violate that trust and act on what served his own interest. With his guilty plea today, I hope the Shakopee community has a sense of closure."
"The defendant held a position of public trust with an obligation to act in the best interest of Shakopee schools, staff, and students he was responsible for," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jill Sanborn. "Sadly, the defendant chose to violate this sacred trust by making the conscious decision to steal and deprive teachers of the very resources necessary to provide a quality education. The FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate public corruption such as this and bring those responsible to justice."
THOMPSON’s sentencing has been scheduled for March 29, 2019, before Judge Susan Nelson, in U.S. District Court in St. Paul.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. MacLaughlin is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
RODNEY KEITH THOMPSON, 53
Shakopee, Minn.
Convicted:
* Corrupt Solicitation of a Bribe, 1 count
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
