NEW ULM — State prosecutors appealed the sentence of former New Ulm Police Investigator Eric Gramentz in the Minnesota Court of Appeals, according to documents filed July 12.

In April, Gramentz received a stay of execution on a prison sentence in a criminal sexual conduct case in Brown County District Court. He pleaded guilty to 1st-degree felony criminal sexual conduct, victim under 16, significant relationship, multiple acts over time; plus two counts of 2nd-degree felony criminal sexual conduct, significant relationship, victim under 16.

Gramentz was ordered by Judge Allison Krehbiel to pay restitution, serve 90 days in jail and serve up to 25 years probation. He is registered for life as a predatory sex offender, subject to lifetime supervision requirements, and must abide by psycho-sexual evaluations, among other conditions. He was credited with serving 382 days.

The first two charges carried recommended sentences of 12 year in prison each and 10 years for the third count.

Brown County Attorney Chuck Hanson said he was disappointed with Gramentz’ sentence.

A statement filed with the Minnesota Court of Appeals raised the question of whether the district court abused its discretion by sentencing Gramentz to downward departure from the prison sentence set by a pre-sentence investigation.

The State also questioned why the district court limited the appeal period to 60 days rather than 90 days authorized by state statute.

Assistant Scott County Attorney Todd P. Zettler, who filed the statement, was not available for comment Thursday. The Scott County Attorney’s Office prosecuted Gramentz’ case in Brown County District Court.

“We obviously intent to fight the appeal and leave it up to the courts to decide. The appeal should get a hearing before a three-judge panel in about six to nine months,” said Gramentz’ attorney Patrick J. Casey of Mankato.