Former Hennepin County social worker admits to sex with a client

A former Hennepin County social worker has admitted she carried on a sexual relationship with a client who had a history of chemical dependency and sexual abuse.

Shannon K. Riley, 40, of Maple Grove, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Hennepin County District Court to third-degree criminal sexual conduct. When she is sentenced on Monday, the county attorney's office said it expects her to receive one year and one day in prison and 10 years of supervised release.

She was hired by the county in January 2011 and was soon assigned the case of a man with considerable health problems who required periodic hospitalization. She was fired soon after the county learned of the allegations.

The criminal complaint against Riley said the client "has suffered physical and chemical setbacks" as a result of his sexual relationship with her.

In addition, according to the complaint:

Riley took the client to a medical appointment on Feb. 1, 2011, and afterward drove to a Minneapolis city park where she joined him in the passenger seat and kissed him. She said she was house-sitting for another client, took him there and performed a sex act on him.

Over the course of more than a week, Riley and the client had sexual contact several times. Riley also sent him love letters, text messages and gifts and called him.

PAUL WALSH