East Grand Forks: Gist Faces Felony Sex Charge

East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — A Grand Forks man faces a felony charge after an alleged incident at River Heights Park.

A Polk County District Court complaint charges D’Amore Alfonzo Jon Gist with third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Gist was 23 years old at the time of the alleged offense.

The charge involves a girl who was 15, according to the complaint.

The alleged incident occurred on November 23, 2025.

Park Report Led To Investigation

Police were sent to River Heights Park shortly after 12:30 p.m.

A caller reported two people engaged in sexual activity inside a parked vehicle.

Officers found Gist and the girl in the back seat, the complaint states.

Investigators then questioned both people about what allegedly happened.

The girl first gave information suggesting she was older.

Police later confirmed she was 15, according to the complaint.

Gist allegedly admitted having sexual contact with the girl.

He also allegedly told investigators they had met for sexual activity before.

The girl told investigators she had known Gist for several months.

She said they met through mutual friends.

She also described two earlier alleged encounters in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Those claims were included in the Minnesota criminal complaint.

Prosecutors allege Gist engaged in sexual penetration with someone between 14 and 15 years old.

They also allege he was more than 24 months older.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

It also carries a possible $30,000 fine, or both penalties.

Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The case is listed under court file number 60-CR-26-912.

The prosecutor file number is F-26-099.

A criminal complaint contains allegations.

Gist is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.