GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – Ja’Haun Kardelle Stafford, 38, appeared in court on Wednesday, April 3, after a preliminary hearing determined probable cause for his case to proceed. Facing grave charges, Stafford pleaded not guilty to sexual and violent offenses against a child.
Stafford’s charges include a Class AA felony for gross sexual imposition involving forced sexual contact causing serious bodily injury, carrying a potential life sentence without parole. Additionally, he faces two Class C felonies for child abuse and felonious restraint of a child, along with a Class A misdemeanor for wearing a mask during the commission of an offense.
Court documents paint a disturbing picture, alleging that Stafford sexually assaulted a child while wearing a mask, inflicting physical harm and restraining the victim.
With his final dispositional conference set for June 27 at 1:30 p.m., Stafford remains incarcerated on a $100,000 cash or surety bond.
This case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the importance of safeguarding children and seeking justice for victims of heinous crimes.