GRAND FORKS — A Grand Forks teen waived his Monday, April 21, preliminary hearing, pleading not guilty to two felony charges arising from allegations that he raped a 12-year-old girl.
Jayden Allen Perales, 18, is charged with two counts of Class AA felony gross sexual imposition by forcing a sexual act.
Class AA felonies have a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without parole.
The alleged acts occurred in June 2024, when Perales was 17 years old. His case was likely originally filed in juvenile court, but was
brought to adult criminal court in February of this year.
A girl told law enforcement that during a house party at Perales’ residence, he forced her to engage in two sexual acts, despite her refusal, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case.
Perales allegedly told law enforcement that no girl was in his room that night, and no girls were at the party at all. DNA taken from the girl’s clothing matched DNA taken directly from Perales, the affidavit said.
Perales’ next hearing, a final dispositional conference, is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on July 17. He remains out of custody on
An unsecured appearance bond, meaning he did not have to pay anything to stay out of jail while his case progresses.