GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) — On December 10, 2024, a jury trial commenced in Grand Forks involving defendant Angel Alberto Torres-Sosa, aged 32. He faced charges including two Class A felonies—kidnapping and attempted gross sexual imposition—and two Class C felonies—aggravated assault and terrorizing. Class A felonies carry a maximum sentence of 20 years.
The jury selection process began on the morning of December 10, resulting in the selection of 12 jurors and one alternate by the afternoon. Opening statements were delivered at approximately 3:30 p.m.
Grand Forks County Assistant State’s Attorney Justine Hesselbart outlined the prosecution’s case, detailing events from an October 2023 evening. The female victim attended a University of North Dakota hockey game, followed by a visit to the Diamond Lounge to play pool. She encountered Torres-Sosa, who allegedly offered her a ride home but instead transported her to his residence. In his unfinished basement, he purportedly assaulted her and applied chokeholds when she resisted his sexual advances. The victim eventually escaped and contacted emergency services.
Defense attorney Alexander Reichert advised the jury to consider all evidence before forming conclusions, suggesting inconsistencies in the victim’s accounts regarding her level of intoxication, memory recall, and the nature of any sexual contact. He emphasized the absence of pursuit when the victim fled.
The prosecution presented evidence including the victim’s earring and a blood sample found in Torres-Sosa’s basement. Testimonies were provided by medical professionals, forensic analysts, law enforcement personnel, eyewitnesses, and the victim. A total of 29 witnesses were listed, though not all were expected to testify. Additional evidence submitted included a recording of the 911 call, police body camera footage, photographs of the victim and her clothing, images of Torres-Sosa and his residence, surveillance footage, laboratory reports, and video footage of Torres-Sosa’s law enforcement interview.
The defense indicated plans to call three character witnesses but did not disclose whether Torres-Sosa would testify, which is his legal right. The burden of proof remained with the prosecution, and no inferences were to be made based on the defendant’s choice to testify or remain silent.
After approximately three and a half hours of deliberation, the jury found Torres-Sosa guilty of kidnapping, aggravated assault, and attempted gross sexual imposition. Sentencing was scheduled for March 31, following a pre-sentence investigation. The Class A felonies each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me