Man Admits to Sexually Assaulting Child, Attacking Carver Deputies

Sep 21

A Minneapolis man has admitted to sexually assaulting a child over several years and later attacking Carver County deputies with a knife when confronted, according to newly filed court records.

Derek Anthony Tyler West, 32, pleaded guilty this week to two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of first-degree assault against a peace officer.

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In exchange, prosecutors dismissed several first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges that carried maximum penalties of 30 years each.

The case began on May 4, 2024, when Carver County deputies were called to a home on Harvest Lane in Chanhassen after the girl disclosed to her mother that West had been sexually assaulting her since she was seven years old. The mother reported that West refused to leave the home, then armed himself with a butcher knife and advanced on deputies outside.

Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, West continued toward Deputy Eric Sinko with the knife drawn. Sinko and another deputy fired several shots, striking West. While being treated, West told deputies, “damn suicide by cop didn’t even work.”

Investigators later interviewed the child, who described multiple incidents of penetration from 2020 until the day of West’s arrest. She said the assaults caused her pain and described in detail how they ended.

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Court filings show West initially faced six felony charges: four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of first-degree assault against a peace officer. He entered his guilty plea Thursday in Carver County District Court, acknowledging he understood the charges and potential penalties.

As part of the plea deal, West will serve 245 months in prison, with credit for time already spent in custody since his May 2024 arrest. He must register as a predatory offender, pay restitution to be determined and serve a conditional release term following his prison sentence.

West is being held in the Carver County Jail ahead of sentencing.

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