Cass County, North Dakota (trfnews.i234.me) – A Fargo man was sentenced after a child sex plea.
Sentencing
Aaron Cofell was sentenced on February 23, 2026, in Cass County District Court.
The court imposed a 30-year prison sentence.
Cofell must serve at least 12 years before he can seek release.
The sentence also includes five years of supervised probation.
He received credit for 278 days already served.
Court location details are posted by the North Dakota Court System.
Plea and dismissed charges
Cofell pleaded guilty in November 2025.
He admitted to gross sexual imposition of a child under age 15.
He also pleaded guilty to endangering a child or vulnerable adult.
Prosecutors dismissed three other counts as part of the plea deal.
Those counts included meth possession and drug paraphernalia possession.
A simple assault charge was also dismissed.
Investigation
The West Fargo Police Department arrested Cofell on May 22, 2025.
Police said they received reports of a sexual assault.
They also received reports of ongoing abuse involving a minor.
Investigators said the victim was under 15 at the time.
Victim services
Investigators worked with local child support teams after the arrest.
They partnered with the Red River Children’s Advocacy Center.
They also used the Sanford Children’s CARE Clinic for medical services.
Release rules and public resources
The court ordered Cofell to register as a sex offender.
Public offender information is posted on the North Dakota Sex Offender Registry.
He must also follow a no-contact order under the judgment.
He is barred from internet access under sentencing conditions.
Restitution remains open for 90 days.
The court will require a written agreement or set a hearing.
State law on gross sexual imposition appears in North Dakota Century Code, Title 12.1-20.
If you need help, support is available.
RAINN offers 24/7 help at rainn.org/hotline.
North Dakota’s victims’ compensation program is listed at DOCR.nd.gov.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.