Grand Forks Man Avoids Trial for Felony Sexual Assault and Burglary Charges Through Pretrial Diversion

Lance Visnar Oliveros
Lance Visnar Oliveros

GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – Lance Visnar Oliveros, 26, was anticipated to stand trial on May 28 for Class A felony gross sexual imposition and Class B felony night burglary. Instead, he has been granted a pretrial diversion agreement, meaning he will not have to go to trial.

Oliveros was charged in December 2022 for crimes that allegedly occurred in May of that year. According to court documents, a woman at a party in Grand Forks was waiting for a ride back to her Grand Forks Air Force Base dorm when Oliveros, claiming to live in the same building, joined her ride. Later, Oliveros allegedly entered the woman’s room, and she awoke the next morning in pain and partially naked, with Oliveros in her bed.

Oliveros pleaded not guilty in February 2023. His trial was rescheduled multiple times before the pretrial diversion agreement was approved by the judge on May 10, canceling the May 28 jury trial.

Under North Dakota rules, a pretrial diversion agreement can be granted with the victim’s views considered and the court’s approval. Oliveros’ prosecution is suspended for two years, and if he meets all conditions, the case will be dismissed.

Conditions include completing a chemical dependency assessment, no contact with the alleged victim, and committing no new offenses.

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