Grand Forks, North Dakota (trfnews.i234.me)—David Walter Gaddie, 42, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of gross sexual imposition on Monday, February 10, after the North Dakota Supreme Court overturned his 2021 conviction, citing prosecutorial misconduct.
Original Conviction & Sentencing
Gaddie was convicted in March 2021 of:
- Two Class AA felony counts of gross sexual imposition for engaging in sexual acts with a victim under 15 years old.
- Two Class A felony counts of gross sexual imposition for sexual contact with a victim under 15 years old.
Sentencing: In June 2021, Gaddie was sentenced to 50 years in prison, with 15 years suspended, followed by 10 years of probation and a lifetime requirement on the sexual offender registry.
Supreme Court Appeal & Reversal
In August 2024, the North Dakota Supreme Court ruled that prosecutors inappropriately presented evidence during his trial, prejudicing the jury.
The issue arose when prosecutors introduced evidence that Gaddie had also sexually assaulted the minor’s mother—a separate case that was dismissed.
The defense successfully argued that allowing such evidence biased the jury, making a fair trial impossible.
Current Legal Proceedings
With the Supreme Court’s decision, the case was reopened, and Gaddie entered a not guilty plea to:
Two Class AA felony charges of gross sexual imposition One Class A felony charge of gross sexual imposition
Next Steps:
- A preliminary hearing for an additional Class A felony charge is scheduled for March 24 at 9 a.m.
- Judge Theodore Sandberg will review probable cause to determine if Gaddie should stand trial for the remaining charge.
Potential Legal Consequences
If convicted again, Gaddie could face up to life in prison under North Dakota’s sentencing guidelines.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing legal case.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me