No. 2 Story of the Year: Police Arrest Man Charged with Sexual Conduct with Burnsville Girl

Editor's Note: As the New Year approaches, Burnsville Patch will review the Top 10 most significant stories of 2012, in terms of total pageviews and impact to the community. Disagree with our assessment, or have other stories you think should've made the Top 10? Please post your feedback or thoughts in the comment stream below. And be sure to check back tomorrow to see the next story in our New Year's countdown.

#2: Police Arrest Man Charged with Sexual Conduct with Burnsville Girl

Our runner up on the Top of 2012 List is an unsavory story, without question. But it is equally undeniable that it made a huge impact: The first article about defendant Shawn Primus racked up 358 Facebook recommendations, perhaps the most of any story on Burnsville Patch ever. 

The case broke in early May of 2012, when Burnsville police were called a home on May 9 on a report of criminal sexual conduct involving a young girl, according to the original criminal complaint. In August, a jury turned over a verdict in the case against Shawn LaJuan Primus, a Brooklyn Center man charged with repeatedly forcing a young Burnsville girl to perform oral sex: Guilty.

Primus has repeatedly maintained that he is innocent. He was originally scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 23 (be sure to look for a follow up on that shortly). He is currently in custody at the Dakota County Jail.

See all coverage connected to this story:

• Police Arrest Man Charged with Sexual Conduct with Burnsville Girl
• Jury Finds Brooklyn Center Man Guilty of First-degree Sexual Conduct with 10-year-old