Burnsville residents got an unsettling update from local police on Wednesday, as the department announced that a Level 3 predatory offender, Edgar Earl Lenear, has recently moved into the city. Police describe Lenear as a high-risk registrant with a prior conviction for criminal sexual conduct and say the public notice is meant to keep neighbors fully in the loop. Officers are asking residents to call 911 to report any suspicious activity and to use the department’s non-emergency line for general questions.
The alert went out on the city’s official Facebook page, City of Burnsville. In that post, the city links to a police fact sheet and stresses that a “well-informed public” is a key part of keeping the community safe.
What Burnsville police are sharing
According to the Burnsville Police Department fact sheet, Lenear was born on Aug. 5, 1956 and is listed under offender ID OID 192674, with a current release date of Feb. 19, 2026. The offense is described as sexual contact including penetration after he broke into an unknown adult woman’s home and used a weapon to gain control. The Minneapolis Police Department is listed as the investigating agency.
The fact sheet also notes that as of July 1, 2026, Lenear’s registered address changed to the vicinity of the 13900 block of Preserve Boulevard West in Burnsville. For questions about his supervision, the document lists agent Lance Culliver at (651) 361-7677.
Offense history and court record
A Minnesota Court of Appeals opinion details the underlying criminal case and reports that Lenear was convicted in April 2003 of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for acts that occurred in 1993. That appellate record explains the background of his conviction, the sentencing process and why he is required to register.
What Level 3 means and how to stay safe
Under Minnesota’s community-notification system, a Level 3 classification is reserved for registrants assessed as being at high risk to reoffend and allows law enforcement to alert the broader public about where the person is living, according to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. These notifications can share a photo, general neighborhood location, known behavior patterns and information on any community meetings designed to help organizations and neighbors better protect vulnerable people.
Authorities encourage residents to have age-appropriate safety talks with children, stay aware of their surroundings and contact 911 immediately if they see behavior that appears criminal or threatening.
Legal note
Burnsville police say the information was released under Minnesota Statutes 244.052 and 253D, and note that Lenear’s conviction triggered a registration requirement under statute 609.342, as outlined in the city’s fact sheet. The department also emphasizes that officers “may not direct where this individual does or does not reside, nor can this agency direct where he/she works or goes to school.” The notice warns that anyone who uses this information to harass, threaten or intimidate the registrant could face criminal charges.
Where to get official information
For statewide policy details and the public registrant search tool, residents can visit the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Local questions can be directed to the Burnsville Police Department’s non-emergency line at 952-895-4600. As always, crimes in progress or emergencies should be reported by calling 911.
