Cass County: Woman Sues Deputy for Sexual Abuse
Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass County woman has filed a federal lawsuit accusing a former sheriff’s deputy of sexually abusing her during mandatory compliance visits in the county’s 24/7 Sobriety Program.
Mugshot of Former Deputy Darin Viken
The complaint was filed Monday in the U.S. District Court by Latisha Lenius. It names former deputy Darin Viken, Sheriff Jesse Jahner, and Cass County as defendants. The lawsuit seeks more than $50,000 in damages and alleges violations of Lenius’s constitutional rights.
Federal records show that summons were issued on Monday. All defendants have 21 days to file a response under federal procedure. Additional case information is available through the North Dakota Courts.
According to court documents, Viken served as the coordinator for the county’s 24/7 Sobriety Program from before November 2023 until his termination in July 2024. Lenius was required to take part in the program under conditions of pretrial release and DUI sentences.
The lawsuit describes a pattern of sexual abuse between November 2023 and July 2024. The complaint states Viken made sexual comments, took Lenius’s phone to search for nude photos, and forced her to expose her breasts and genitals.
The alleged abuse happened during required visits at the Cass County Correctional Center. Lenius often brought her 6-year-old son to try to stop the behavior. Court filings quote Viken saying, “I suppose you brought him so I wouldn’t harass you.”
The lawsuit also claims Viken abused at least five other female participants in the program. Attorneys say this shows a wider pattern of misconduct.
Oversight failures are also detailed in the complaint. The lawsuit claims Cass County allowed Viken to meet alone with female participants in areas not monitored by cameras. It alleges the county was aware of an unmonitored “corner” once used for strip searches during a work release program. Lenius says Viken used this location to avoid being recorded.
The filing notes that the sheriff’s office announced the use of body cameras in 2021 to improve transparency. However, Viken was not issued a body camera, and his interactions were not recorded.
The lawsuit lists federal claims under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. State claims include sexual assault, battery, negligence, emotional distress, and conversion of property.
Court documents say Lenius suffered severe emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. She is receiving treatment from psychologists and counselors. The lawsuit demands a jury trial.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.