Prison for man who grabbed 12-year-old girl from her Minneapolis backyard, raped her

Qalinle Ibrahim Dirie, 42, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for abducting and raping a 12-year-old girl in Minneapolis on June 5, 2024. Convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, Dirie’s actions were deemed egregious by prosecutors, who emphasized the serious impact on the victim. The girl's brother played a crucial role in Dirie's capture by setting a trap after receiving distressing calls from the perpetrator. Although Dirie's attorney argued for probation, citing his clean record, the prosecution firmly opposed this, highlighting his lack of remorse as a significant concern. Dirie will serve approximately eight years behind bars before transitioning to supervised release and must register as a predatory offender.

The assault has raised awareness about the dangers children can face in their own backyards. The police and community are now focusing on preventive measures to protect minors from similar crimes. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in neighborhood safety.