Former Shakopee School Superintendent Sentenced To Prison For Soliciting Bribes

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of RODNEY KEITH THOMPSON, 53, to 24 months in prison for corruptly soliciting a bribe.THOMPSON, who pleaded guilty on November 15, 2018, was sentenced before Judge Susan R. Nelson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, from 2011 through June 2017, THOMPSON served as the Superintendent of the Shakopee School District. In his official capacity, THOMPSON had the authority to select contractors to perform construction and related services for the School District. THOMPSON used his position and authority to obtain personal benefits from a company interested in being awarded contracts with the School District. THOMPSON solicited things of value from the company, such as home improvement projects, personal travel, and attendance at sporting events, in exchange for contracts with the School District. For example, between July 2010 and November 2015, at THOMPSON’s demand, the company spent more than $44,000 remodeling and improving the basement of THOMPSON’s Shakopee house.

“Mr. Thompson abused his position of trust throughout his entire tenure with the Shakopee School District. And now, his greedy and corrupt dealings have earned him a prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald.

“Today’s sentence of Mr. Thompson demonstrates our collective commitment to hold public officials accountable”, said Jill Sanborn, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division. “The success of this investigation was due in large part to the collaboration between the FBI, Department of Justice, the Scott County Attorney’s Office and the Shakopee Police Department. Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to investigate public officials who abuse their positions and violate the public trust.”

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. MacLaughlin prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:

RODNEY KEITH THOMPSON, 53

Shakopee, Minn.

Convicted:

    Corrupt solicitation of a bribe, 1 count

Sentenced:

    24 months in prison