GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – Two Grand Forks residents face felony child neglect charges after police discovered disturbing conditions inside a home.
Officers reported finding garbage, animal waste, dirty surfaces, and what appeared to be feces near a child’s sleeping area.
The investigation began November 2, 2026, after an emergency call disconnected while dispatchers heard yelling in the background.
Gail Storm Waltman, 27, and Elijah James Belgarde, 23, were charged following the investigation.
911 Hang-Up Leads Police to Grand Forks Home
According to court documents, officers responded to a home around 11:30 p.m. following a 911 hang-up call.
Dispatchers reported hearing yelling and linked the telephone number to Waltman.
Investigators also discovered an active domestic violence protection order involving Waltman and Belgarde.
Waltman was listed as the person who requested the protection order.
When officers arrived, they reportedly heard a woman screaming inside the residence.
Police then heard a back door slam and encountered Belgarde near a vehicle behind the home.
Belgarde allegedly claimed Waltman had already left the area.
Officers initially searched the home with permission but could not locate her.
Woman Found Hiding in Basement
Police returned around midnight after a neighbor reported hearing another woman yelling.
The homeowner allowed officers inside to investigate.
Belgarde allegedly continued denying Waltman was inside the residence.
However, officers discovered Waltman hiding in the basement, according to court documents.
Waltman told investigators she was homeless and had nowhere else to stay.
Police arrested Belgarde for allegedly violating the protection order.
Investigators also accused both individuals of providing false information during the investigation.
Officers Describe Disturbing Living Conditions
Court documents describe extremely unsanitary conditions throughout the residence.
Investigators reported garbage covering floors, animal urine and feces, dirty dishes, and strong odors.
One room reportedly contained so much garbage that officers could not walk across the floor.
Inside the child’s sleeping area, officers reported stains, scattered clothing, and what appeared to be dried feces.
Investigators also described a bathroom and kitchen in poor condition.
A child was present during the police response.
Court documents indicate authorities planned to place the child with Child Protective Services.
Felony Charges Filed Against Both Residents
Waltman faces the following charges:
- Felony terrorizing – Class C felony
- Felony child neglect – Class C felony
- Hindering law enforcement by providing false information – Class A misdemeanor
Belgarde faces the following charges:
- Felony child neglect – Class C felony
- Violating a domestic violence protection order – Class A misdemeanor
- Providing false information to law enforcement – Class A misdemeanor
Additional charges appear in Grand Forks County jail records involving Belgarde.
Those records include alleged protection order violations, disobedience of judicial orders, and driving while suspended or revoked.
The court documents did not specify which actions supported Waltman’s terrorizing charge.
Both Held at Grand Forks County Jail
Both individuals were confined at the Grand Forks County Correctional Center following their arrests.
Initial court documents indicated both were expected to appear in court within 14 days.
Waltman and Belgarde are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Additional information is available through the North Dakota Court Records Inquiry.
The investigation was also reported by Valley News Live.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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