Minot man found guilty in long term care sexual abuse case after just minutes of deliberations

MINOT, N.D. (KVRR) — A jury has found a Minot man guilty of the sexual abuse and exploitation of elderly people at a long term care facility in Minot.

The evidence against Dalton Hattem included explicit messages and videos that he shared with his wife, Amber Hattem.

The verdicts were handed down after just 16 minutes of deliberations.

The guilty verdicts on two counts of conspiracy to commit gross sexual imposition carries a maximum sentence of 20 years on each count.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley says his team presented a compelling case revealing a coordinated effort to exploit residents who were unable to protect themselves due to age, illness, and cognitive impairment.

Dalton Hattem’s sentencing hearing is set for December 19.

Amber Hattem’s gross sexual imposition and indecent exposure case is ongoing.