New Rockford Case: Bemidji Man Charged
New Rockford, North Dakota (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji, Minnesota, man is facing sex crime charges in five North Dakota counties.
Scott Skjerva, 44, is accused of having sexual contact with a girl over several years.
Court records say the alleged conduct began when the girl was 14 years old. It allegedly continued until she was 17.
The girl is now an adult.
Charges Filed In Five Counties
Skjerva is charged in Eddy, Cass, Stutsman, Foster, and McIntosh Counties.
Court documents say the alleged incidents happened from 2019 through 2023.
The case also references travel through other North Dakota counties.
Those counties include Burleigh, Dickey, and Stutsman Counties.
The allegations remain under review in court.
Skjerva is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Scott Skjerva
Court Records Detail Allegations
According to court records, Skjerva met the girl in New Rockford.
Records say she was 13 at the time.
The two reportedly worked at the same cafe.
The victim told investigators the relationship started as flirtatious.
She said it later escalated into sexual contact.
Court documents say the first alleged sexual encounter happened in New Rockford.
The girl was 14 years old at that time, according to records.
Investigators say the alleged conduct continued after she moved to other towns.
Records say Skjerva traveled long distances to meet her.
He was married during the time period, according to court documents.
Alleged Locations Listed
Court documents say the alleged activity happened in several types of places.
Those places included vehicles, hotels, parks, and family members’ homes.
Records also say Skjerva admitted that some activity occurred.
The victim told investigators her home life was difficult during that period.
She said her father struggled with drug addiction.
She also said her mother knew about the relationship.
However, she said her mother was busy raising other children.
Anyone seeking case information can visit the North Dakota Court Records public search.
Victim support information is available through the North Dakota Victim Services Program.
National help is also available through RAINN.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.