Carrington, ND (trfnews.i234.me)—With just a week before trial, a Carrington woman accused of stalking, harassment, and impersonating a police officer is now without legal representation after her lawyer abruptly withdrew from her case.
Defendant: Carrie Beth Cotton, 46 Location: Foster County, ND Total Charges: 21 across seven cases (Aug. 2024 – Dec. 2024) Upcoming Trial Dates: Feb. 21 & April 11
Attorney Withdraws from the Case
Attorney Scott Sandness, who had been representing Cotton, filed a motion to withdraw on Feb. 11, citing “fundamental disagreements on evidentiary issues” and an “irreparable” breakdown in attorney-client relations.
His motion states that Cotton demanded actions unsupported by law or facts, which led him to step away from the case.
Serious Allegations Against Cotton
Cotton has been charged with:
- 13 counts of violating a disorderly conduct restraining order
- 2 counts of stalking
- 2 counts of harassment
- 1 count of disorderly conduct-harassment
- 2 counts of impersonating a law enforcement officer
- 1 count of violating an order prohibiting contact
She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Fake Social Media Accounts and Harassment
Investigators say Cotton created fake Facebook accounts to send vulgar and harassing messages to multiple victims over three years (2022-2024).
In November 2022, she allegedly sent 22 emails to the Carrington Police Department, including 10 messages within five hours on Nov. 12.
Impersonation of a Police Chief:
- Cotton is accused of posing as Carrington Police Chief Chris Bittmann on Facebook, posting false claims about him on a local rummage sale page.
- Posts falsely stated Bittmann was unfaithful to his wife and allowed family members to sell meth in the community.
- Two fake profiles were allegedly used for similar false statements.
Search warrants and subpoenas issued to:
- Meta (Facebook)
- T-Mobile
- Midco & Dakota Central Telecommunications
Investigators say all IP addresses and phone records led back to Cotton.
Cotton’s History of Harassment
Court records indicate a history of harassment cases:
- 2018: Convicted of harassment (2 cases) in Jamestown
- 2020: Convicted of harassment (2 counts) in Ramsey County
Authorities also noted that Cotton has a pattern of harassing ex-partners and their acquaintances.
What’s Next?
Feb. 21 Trial: Charges of stalking and violating a restraining order April 11 Trial: Remaining charges
If convicted, Cotton could face significant jail time and fines.
This case continues to develop as Cotton searches for new legal representation.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me