In a disturbing case of child abuse, Roger Ricky Counts, a 52-year-old man from Dunseith, North Dakota, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor child.
The crime occurred in 2017 when Counts, who was serving as a foster parent for the victim at the time, sexually abused an eight-year-old child. This heinous act was committed while Counts was entrusted with the care and protection of the child. The victim disclosed the abuse in July 2017, prompting an FBI investigation into Counts’ actions.
A jury found Counts guilty of aggravated sexual abuse of a child on February 14, 2020. This verdict marked the end of a long and arduous process for the child victim, who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share the truth about these crimes.
According to the United States Attorney, Drew Wrigley, Counts’ actions were particularly egregious given his position as a foster parent. ‘The defendant’s horrifying conduct was magnified by his abuse of the trust placed in him as a foster parent,’ Wrigley stated.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), with Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Greenley prosecuting the case. The sentence imposed by Chief Judge Peter D. Welte also includes lifetime supervised release and a $100 special assessment fee.
The Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation community has been left reeling from this disturbing case, which highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of children in foster care. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, the people of North Dakota can take comfort in knowing that justice has been served, and Roger Ricky Counts will face the consequences of his actions for many years to come.
**Mandatory Facts:**
Defendant/Respondent Full Name: Roger Ricky Counts
Criminal Charges: Aggravated Sexual Abuse, 18 USC 2241(c)
City and State: Fargo, North Dakota
Exact Date: February 14, 2020 (sentencing date)
Sentence or Outcome: 30 years in federal prison, lifetime supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee
Dollar Amounts: $100 special assessment fee
Related Federal Cases
- Saunders Jamel Jackson, Aggravated Sexual Abuse, North Dakota 2022 · Iowa
- Isaiah Standing Crow, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, North Dakota 2014 · Texas
- William Left Hand, Sexual Abuse of Incapable, North Dakota 2024 · South Dakota
- Marc Dog Eagle, Aggravated Sexual Abuse By Force, South Dakota 2014 · South Dakota
- George Chad Deputee, Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, MT 2016 · Oklahoma
Key Facts
- State: North Dakota
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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