Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom announced that Desean Lamont Thomas, age 23, of South St. Paul, was sentenced today to 203 months in prison for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (with intent to kill) and 60 months for Possession of Firearm by Ineligible Person (to be served concurrently) by Judge Arlene Perkkio in connection with an assault on a 51-year-old male as the victim tried to recover a rental car in South St. Paul on Aug. 19, 2014. On Oct. 19, 2015, a Dakota County jury found Thomas guilty of these two crimes as well as a lessor included count of Drive-by Shooting (Toward Person or Occupied Motor Vehicle or Building), all felonies.
Co-defendant Breanna Sherries Harris, age 22 of South St. Paul, pled guilty Dec. 17, 2014, to one count of Assault in the Second Degree and was sentenced to a Stay of Execution of 21 months in prison, seven years of probation, a fine and fees totaling $547 and ordered to pay restitution. One charge of Assault in the Second Degree also is pending against Danielle Thomas concerning this incident.
Additional facts pertaining to this case can be found in the criminal complaint which is located online at:
http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/LawJustice/CriminalComplaint/Pages/default.aspx. While in custody, a mug shot can be viewed on the
Inmate Search.
Backstrom commented: “We are pleased to hold this man accountable for his poor decision to engage in gun violence that easily could have claimed the life of the victim.”
Backstrom thanked the South St. Paul Police Department for their thorough investigation of this case. Backstrom praised Assistant County Attorneys Jenny Nystrom and Dain Olson, who prosecuted the case.
If you have questions, contact James Backstrom at 651-438-4438.