Bemidji man charged with sex crimes in multiple North Dakota counties

FARGO (KVRR-KFGO) – A Bemidji, Minnesota man is accused of having sexual relations with a girl in multiple North Dakota counties from the time she was 14 until 17 years old.

Scott Skjerva, 44, is charged in five counties with sex crimes that happened from 2019 to 2023 with a girl who is now a woman.

According to court records, Skjerva met the victim in New Rockford when she was 13 and the two worked at the same cafe. The victim says the relationship began as flirtatious, but escalated.

Their first sexual encounter happened in New Rockford when she was 14 and continued even after she moved to different towns. Through the years, Skjerva met the girl in or traveled with her to multiple counties including Eddy, Cass, Foster, McIntosh, Burleigh, Dickey, and Stutsman where the two engaged in various forms of sex.

The victim says her father was a drug addict. Her mother knew about the relationship, but was busy raising children.

Through the years, Skjerva – who was married at the time – would drive hours to meet the girl.

Court documents say Skjerva admitted the activity happened in vehicles, hotels, parks, and at the victim’s family members’ homes.

Skjerva is charged in Eddy, Cass, Stutsman, Foster, and McIntosh Counties.