GRAND FORKS, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) — A jury convicted Ja’Haun Kardelle Stafford, 41, on Friday, Nov. 6.
He was found guilty of four crimes after a five-day trial involving a child.
The verdict ended a case that included earlier guilty pleas and a later change in the child’s account.
Grand Forks Jury Finds Stafford Guilty
The jury convicted Stafford of Class AA felony gross sexual imposition.
It also found him guilty of Class C felony child abuse and Class C felony felonious restraint.
He was also convicted of a Class A misdemeanor for wearing a mask during a criminal offense.
The verdict followed months of court proceedings and several changes in the case.
What Court Documents Reveal
According to court documents, the child reported waking around 9:15 a.m. with Stafford on top of her.
The reported incident happened on February 20, 2024.
She said Stafford covered her mouth and touched her inappropriately.
The child reported scratching and clawing at Stafford until he left the bedroom.
Stafford later told investigators he had been acting out a scene where he pretended to be a burglar.
He denied touching the child inappropriately on purpose.
However, he acknowledged such contact could have happened during the encounter, according to court documents.
Earlier Guilty Pleas Withdrawn
Stafford entered Alford pleas on November 13, 2025.
Under this type of plea, a defendant maintains innocence while acknowledging prosecutors could likely prove the charges.
However, the case took another turn after the child changed parts of her earlier account.
On February 13, 2026, the child sent prosecutors a letter withdrawing parts of her previous statements.
She wrote that Stafford had pretended to be a burglar but had not touched her inappropriately.
She also said she had exaggerated earlier claims about other conduct.
Prosecutors Question Changed Statement
Prosecutors disputed the changed account in a court filing.
They said Stafford had previously admitted some of those acts to law enforcement.
Prosecutors also cited earlier concerns that someone might try to bribe or influence the child’s statements.
Those concerns did not establish that any attempt to influence her had succeeded.
On April 17, 2026, Stafford’s defense asked the court to withdraw his previous guilty pleas.
Judge Jay Knudson approved that request on July 16, allowing the case to move toward trial.
Stafford Faces Possible Life Sentence
Stafford is scheduled for sentencing at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2027.
The gross sexual imposition conviction carries a possible sentence of life in prison without parole.
North Dakota law also provides a 20-year minimum for certain Class AA gross sexual imposition convictions.
The law includes specific conditions and limited exceptions to mandatory sentences.
Readers can review the relevant law through the North Dakota Legislative Branch.
Public case information is available through the North Dakota Court System.
The sentencing hearing will determine the punishment Stafford receives for the convictions.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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