Fargo, North Dakota – A Belcourt man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for the heinous crime of abusive sexual contact of a minor under 12 years of age.
Cole Jeanotte, 41, appeared in federal court on April 17, 2025, before District Court Judge Peter Welte and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for the offenses of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age.
According to court documents, Jane Doe disclosed to her mother in May 2020 that Jeanotte had sexually abused her. Jane Doe reported that Jeanotte began sexually abusing her in 2012 continuing until 2013 when Jane Doe was approximately 7 years of age. Following the incidents, Jeanotte threatened to hurt Jane Doe’s mother if Jane Doe told her mother about him sexually abusing her.
Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl stated, ‘The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting those who sexually abuse children, regardless of when the disclosure is made.’
‘This sentence reflects the egregious nature of Jeanotte’s conduct, and it will ensure the protection of other children,’ added Puhl.
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis also weighed in on the case, saying, ‘Jeanotte committed a heinous crime against a defenseless child, and today’s sentence reflect the gravity of that offense.’
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota, investigated and prosecuted the case, respectively.
Jeanotte was ordered to pay $100 in special assessment fees as part of his sentence.
Related Federal Cases
- Cole Jeanotte, Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor, North Dakota 2025 · South Dakota
- Cecil White Bull, Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor, North Dakota 2014 · South Dakota
- James Wilson, Abusive Sexual Contact, North Dakota 2024 · South Dakota
- Brandon Wutzke, Abusive Sexual Contact, North Dakota 2013 · South Dakota
- Calvin Bernhardt, Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, North Dakota 2017 · Arizona
Key Facts
- State: North Dakota
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes