Bail set at $100K for Renaissance festival ex-manager accused of rape

A Scott County District Court judge set bail Monday at $100,000 for Carr Hagerman, the former Renaissance Festival artistic director accused of raping a freelance photographer on the fairgrounds last fall.

Hagerman, charged with two felony counts of criminal sexual conduct, was being held at the Scott County jail in Shakopee. He has been jailed since Thursday.

According to the criminal complaint filed last week, Hagerman, 60, of Richfield, repeatedly beat and raped the woman last September after taking her to an upstairs storage room to take pictures.

The festival's management company placed him on paid suspension in November after he was served with an order of protection.

Hagerman denied the charges to police and passed a polygraph test conducted by the management company. He has been with the Renaissance Festival as either performer or manager for nearly 40 years.

On Monday morning, Hagerman appeared in a green jail jumpsuit before Judge Christian Wilton. Prosecutor Michael Hayek requested the $100,000 bail and conditions due to the violent nature of the alleged assault.

"The state has reason to believe that this is not an isolated incident," Hayek said.

Hagerman's attorney, Casey Rundquist, argued that bail be set at $20,000 bond or $2,000 cash. He pointed to Hagerman's community ties and his lack of a criminal history and said that he poses no danger to the public.

Rundquist added that his client has had no contact with his accuser since the protection order was filed against him. "He is falsely accused," Rundquist said.

The judge instead ordered $100,000 bail, cash or bond. He told Hagerman to continue to have no contact with the alleged victim, surrender any firearms he might have and make all future court dates. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 30.

Hagerman's wife, Marian, and another person clasped hands as they awaited the bail ruling. They declined to comment.

Liz Sawyer • 612-673-4648