Hall of Famer Puckett charged with sexual assault

— -- MINNEAPOLIS -- Baseball Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett wascharged Friday with felony and misdemeanor counts for an allegedsexual assault at a restaurant last month.

Hennepin County prosecutors allege that Puckett dragged a womaninto the men's restroom at the Redstone American Grill on Sept. 6and fondled her breast before she escaped.

Puckett was charged with one count of false imprisonment, afelony, and one count of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct, agross misdemeanor.

The woman suffered bruises where her arm was held, on herbreast, and a swollen ankle when her leg struck a doorframe as shewas being dragged into the restroom, according to the criminalcomplaint. The complaint cited several witnesses to the attack.

Conviction on the false imprisonment charge could carry apenalty of up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.The sexual conduct charge is punishable by up to a year in prisonand a $3,000 fine. However, County Attorney Amy Klobuchar saidPuckett is more likely to face workhouse time and probation.

Klobuchar said Puckett is expected to turn himself in forbooking on Monday, when he is expected to post $20,000 bail. Shesaid his first court appearance is likely to be in two or threeweeks.

"Like most Minnesotans, I remember watching Mr. Puckett helpthe Twins win two World Series, and he's a great Hall of Famebaseball player. But that night, in that bar, he was no one'shero," Klobuchar said.

Puckett's attorney, B. Todd Jones, did not immediately return aphone call seeking comment.