Grand Forks Man Found Not Guilty, Held for Treatment

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Grand Forks man accused of attempting to sexually assault his neighbor has been found not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility.

Andrew Chase Ebertowski, 22, will remain under court supervision and receive treatment at the North Dakota State Hospital.

The decision followed a court hearing Friday, October 23, 2026.

Although Ebertowski was found not criminally responsible, the court determined he committed the acts involved in the case.

Court Orders Treatment Instead of Release

Ebertowski faced three felony charges following a July 2025 incident in Grand Forks.

Those charges included Class A felony attempted gross sexual imposition, Class B felony burglary, and Class C felony felonious restraint.

Judge Kristi Venhuizen determined Ebertowski should remain in treatment rather than return to the community.

The court can maintain authority over his case for up to 20 years.

That period matches the maximum prison sentence for the Class A felony charge.

However, the ruling does not automatically require 20 years of hospitalization.

Ebertowski will receive regular court reviews, including annual hearings, to assess his treatment and possible release.

Any release would require court approval.

Woman Escapes July 2025 Apartment Attack

The case stems from an incident on July 16, 2025, at a Grand Forks apartment building.

According to court documents, Ebertowski approached a woman’s apartment and knocked on her door.

The woman answered after being interrupted while preparing to bathe.

Ebertowski reportedly asked to stay with her because he could not remain at his own apartment.

When the woman refused, he forced his way inside, according to court records.

He grabbed the woman and held her tightly against her will.

The woman eventually escaped and ran to another apartment for help.

Police later arrested Ebertowski following the incident.

The original arrest was also reported by Valley News Live.

Mental Health Evaluation Influences Ruling

Court documents describe Ebertowski as having a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and other psychotic disorders.

Dr. Nancy Laney evaluated his mental condition at the time of the incident.

Her evaluation found he was experiencing psychotic symptoms that affected his behavior.

She also reported that he experienced an auditory hallucination influencing his actions.

The evaluation helped the court determine whether Ebertowski could be held criminally responsible.

Judge Venhuizen also reviewed concerns about his past substance use and medication history.

The judge said Ebertowski had previously stopped taking medication after leaving treatment.

According to the court, he had stopped taking medication before the July 2025 incident.

Judge Raises Concerns About Future Violence

During the hearing, the judge found that releasing Ebertowski currently posed a risk of further violent conduct.

That finding supported continued treatment under court supervision.

Defense attorney Steven Mottinger said Ebertowski wanted to return to the community.

Ebertowski also expressed regret for the incident and promised not to repeat his actions.

However, the court determined continued treatment was necessary.

Prosecutor Describes Victim’s Concerns

Prosecutor Sarah Gereszek told the court that the woman was unhappy with the outcome.

Gereszek said the woman had returned to her home country because she feared for her safety.

The court’s decision means Ebertowski will not be criminally sentenced for the offenses covered by the finding.

However, he remains subject to treatment requirements and court oversight.

Case Remains Under Court Supervision

North Dakota law allows courts to order treatment following findings of lack of criminal responsibility.

Judges review these cases to determine whether continued hospitalization or supervised release is appropriate.

More information is available under North Dakota’s Criminal Responsibility and Post-Trial Responsibility Act.

Readers can also learn about treatment services through the North Dakota State Hospital.

Public case information is available through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry.

Ebertowski will remain subject to the court’s authority while his treatment and release eligibility are reviewed.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.