Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
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

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

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.