Brenner found 'not liable' in alienation of affection lawsuit - KOTA Territory News

Brenner found 'not liable' in alienation of affection lawsuit

A Pennington County jury found a prosecutor not liable in a controversial alienation of affection lawsuit.

Pennington county State's Attorney Glenn Brenner was sued by Doug Rumpca, the ex-husband of his wife, Kelly.

All three took the stand in a week-long trial to defend, accuse and explain their actions which occurred over the span of more than a decade.

"I think Mr. Brenner feels a sense of relief. It's been a long 2.5 year process. He's anxious to move on, he and Kellie are very happy to move on with their lives," said Daniel Duffy, Brenner's attorney.

At the heart of the trial -  Doug Rumpca. He says Brenner stole his wife's affections more than four years ago by calling her repeatedly (up to 1300 times in 2008) and presenting her with an ultimatum - he wouldn't be with her until she left Doug.

Brenner's attorneys presented a very different picture of an unhappy marriage marred by violence. They say the lawsuit was simply a continuation of the Rumpca's divorce.

"I think if someone sat through this week and saw what took place in this courtroom they'd have serious questions about if this law services what they thought it did," said Duffy.

In the end, the verdict was unanimous in favor of Brenner, and he was quick to embrace his wife Kellie after it was read.

"We're hoping kids and their families on both sides can move on without anymore damage being done," said Duffy.

Brenner's term as state's attorney ends at the end of the year.
Rumpca and his attorneys declined to release a statement on the verdict.