Islamic Center Appeals for Consideration in Conviction Case

The Islamic Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, has written a letter on behalf of a Somali immigrant, Karinal Ibrahim Dilly, who was convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl. In the letter, they urged the judge to consider the “heartfelt support” for Dilly during sentencing.

According to reports, including one from Alpha News, Dilly approached the girl last June while she was playing outside. He asked her if her mother was home, to which she replied no. He left but returned minutes later, forced her into his car, assaulted her, and then she managed to escape back to her house.

A month after the incident, police arrested Dilly, following a tip from the girl’s family.

Dilly, originally from Somalia, grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya before moving to the U.S. in 2006. He spent time in Minnesota, where a large Somali community exists, and later lived in North Dakota before returning to Minnesota in 2014.

The judge received multiple letters from Dilly’s family, describing him as a “hard worker” and a “deeply good man” who positively impacted those around him.

In the letter from St. Paul’s Al Issan Islam, the family expressed that Dilly was “facing the challenges of adapting to a new culture” and showed love for his family by sending money back to Somalia.

The letter concluded with a note of shock regarding the incident, emphasizing that it didn’t reflect the values they held dear in their community. They urged the judge to view this letter as a sincere representation of Dilly’s character, stating that while his contributions might not make headlines, he had made a positive difference.

Judge Burns ultimately sentenced Dilly to the minimum prison term recommended by Minnesota guidelines. He could be eligible for release in 2033 and would remain on probation for the rest of his sentence.