CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE Archives

Former Minnesota preacher accused of sexual abuse of children over 50 years ago

October 14, 2022

KVRR Staff,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. (FOX 9) – An 80-year-old man from St. Louis County faces several charges Wednesday for the alleged sexual abuse of two children while a prominent church member during the 1970s. According to court documents, Spencer Main, 80, was charged with two counts of sodomy of a child, four counts of indecent liberties, and one count of…

Attorney general says no charges will be filed in child sex abuse investigation

Their hope was to potentially be able to prosecute sexual crimes.

January 4, 2021

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FARGO (KVRR) – Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says he has completed an 18 month investigation into the allegations of sexual abuse by members of the North Dakota Catholic dioceses. The investigation into the child sexual abuse allegations by members of the Diocese of Fargo and Bismarck started in June 2019. “The Dioceses had released a list of the names of…

Hundreds show up for second annual “Ride With Natalee” motorcycle ride

The event is in support of 5-year-old Natalee Strubbe

August 23, 2020

Site Staff,

WEST FARGO, N.D. — Hundreds of bikers from across the metro came out in support of a courageous young girl Sunday afternoon. The second annual Ride With Natalee: Against Sexual Abuse motorcycle ride kicked off at Harley-Davidson of Fargo. The event is in support of Natalee Strubbe, a 5-year-old girl who was raped multiple times by a teenage boy last…

‘Stand to Protect’ working to prevent child sexual abuse in Cass & Clay counties

The local organization is aiming to end what some call an invisible health crisis

May 17, 2020

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. — It’s a shocking statistic that’s hard to hear. According to the National Children’s Advocacy Center, one in 10 children will be sexually abused before turning 18. In Cass and Clay counties, that’s more than 5,000 kids impacted by sexual abuse. Growing up in rural Cass County, young Leslie Brunette was accompanied by fear and manipulation for years….

Local organization trains community on preventing child sexual abuse

Stand to Protect launched its education pilot program in 2019

January 16, 2020

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. — Some say child sexual abuse is an invisible health crisis happening all around us. Last year alone, the Red River Children’s Advocacy Center conducted more than 350 forensic interviews with children who were sexually abused in the region. According to local experts, only 16 percent of victims report their sexual abuse during childhood, and the effects of…

Former Students Reach Settlement with Theater Company

The theater company faced lawsuits by 16 former students.

November 1, 2019

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MINNEAPOLIS–Nine remaining lawsuits filed by former students who say they were abused by employees of the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis decades ago have reached settlements. Attorney Jeff Anderson plans to announce the settlements at a news conference Friday. The theater company faced lawsuits by 16 former students who say they were abused by former employees in the 1970s and…

West Fargo Man Accused Of Sexually Abusing Child For Years

Police were contacted and the girl was interviewed by child sexual abuse counselors

October 8, 2018

TJ Nelson,

WEST FARGO, N.D. — A West Fargo man has been charged with the ongoing sexual abuse of a child. 52-year-old Valentin Valenzuela is accused of molesting a girl for a number of years. Police were contacted and the girl was interviewed by child sexual abuse counselors. They believe the abuse started about six years ago. The charge carries a maximum sentence…

Former Police Chief Enters Alford Plea To Child Sexual Abuse Charges

James Watson Has Been Charged In At Least Three Counties

March 14, 2018

TJ Nelson,

A former LaMoure police chief has entered an Alford plea to multiple child sexual abuse charges in Hettinger and Stark counties. 52-year-old James Watson’s plea is not an admission of guilt but he acknowledges there is enough evidence for a conviction. A jury in Golden Valley County last month convicted him of continuous sexual abuse of a child. The charges…

Man Charged For Alleged Sex Crimes In 2009

BCI Reopened Investigation In January 2016

August 20, 2017

TJ Nelson,

GRAND FORKS, ND — A Grand Forks man has been charged for child sex crimes dating back to 2009. Four felony counts of gross sexual imposition were filed against 36-year-old George Lyons in late June. A preliminary hearing earlier this month was cancelled and his next court appearance is set for October. The North Dakota BCI reopened the 2009 child…