Woman raped, Vikings player possible suspect
Posted 2/6/03

Sometime in the morning hours of Sunday, Feb. 2, a 30-year-old female reported to Mille Lacs County Sheriffís Department that she had been sexually assaulted in a rural motel room outside Onamia, near Mille Lacs Lake.

The victimís name was not released as of Tuesday.

The assault is currently under investigation and the sheriffís office has reported that the victim was socializing with members of the Minnesota Vikings organization.

The Arctic Blast VIII was held last Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 30-Feb. 1, around Mille Lacs Lake. The annual snowmobile run and celebration had several events throughout the weekend.

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe hosted the $50,000 Arctic Blast Prize Party the evening of Saturday, Feb. 1, which featured players from the Minnesota Vikings.

Later a "Saturday Night Celebration" was held at the Blue Goose Inn, featuring Vikings players and cheerleaders.

The victim, possible suspects and witnesses are currently being interviewed.

However, in the countyís attempt to interview them, the members of the Vikings exercised their right to counsel.

Sheriff Brent Lindgren is asking that anyone with information regarding the case contact the sheriffís office at 320-983-8250.