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The Jacob Wetterling abduction
The Associated Press
St. Cloud, Minn.

Sheriff who investigated Wetterling abduction to retire

Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner
Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner speaks at the press conference announcing Danny Heinrich's confession to killing Jacob Wetterling on Sept. 6, 2016, in Minneapolis.
Courtney Perry for MPR News 2016

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A central Minnesota sheriff who worked to solve the decades-old kidnapping of Jacob Wetterling is hanging up his badge.

Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner announced his retirement Tuesday. Sanner has worked for the sheriff's office for nearly 33 years and has been sheriff for the last 14.

Sanner was among investigators who worked to find out who abducted Jacob from near his St. Joseph home in October 1989. Authorities decided to take a new look at the cold case as the 25th anniversary approached. Danny Heinrich eventually confessed to abducting, sexually assaulting and killing the 11-year-old boy, and was sentenced to 20 years in prison on a child pornography count.

WJON-AM reports Sanner's retirement takes effect April 17. The County Board will choose someone to fill out his term.