In May this year, a woman was hired to serve as a private bartender at Barry Butzow's Eden Prairie home for a cocktail party. They had a prior acquaintance from a Shakopee bar where she worked and he was a regular customer. Two days later, she returned to the house upon his request to help with cleaning and packaging leftover food. As they shared wine together, Butzow made several attempts to kiss the woman. She firmly resisted and pushed him away. When she tried to leave, he claimed she was unfit to drive. This was the last thing she recalled before losing consciousness.
The charge of third-degree sexual assault was filed in Hennepin County District Court, accompanied by a warrant for his arrest. It's important to note that Butzow has no prior criminal record in Minnesota. His attorney, Chris Madel, has chosen not to comment on the matter.
Barry Butzow, 78 years old, is a senior vice president with C.H. Robinson Worldwide. His influence in the horse racing community at Canterbury Park has been significant over the years. In 2022, he and his wife, Joni, reached the pinnacle of the sport when their horse, Zozos, participated in the Kentucky Derby. This achievement added another chapter to their story but now, it is overshadowed by the current allegations.
Despite his successful business and equestrian pursuits, this incident has brought his life and reputation into question. The community is closely following the developments as the legal process unfolds.