ST. MICHAEL, ND (trfnews.i234.me)—A St. Michael man has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple child abuse charges that led to the tragic death of a 1-year-old child on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation.
Case Overview
Date of Incident: February 18, 2023
Location: St. Michael, ND – Spirit Lake Indian Reservation
Investigating Agencies: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Tribal Law Enforcement, U.S. Attorney’s Office
The Crime
- Collin Delorme, 30, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to multiple child abuse charges.
- On Feb. 18, 2023, a woman called 911 to report that her 1-year-old child was unresponsive.
- The child was transported to CHI St. Alexius in Devils Lake, where they were pronounced dead.
- An autopsy revealed severe, prolonged abuse, described as “battered child syndrome.”
- The child had multiple internal injuries that went untreated, causing infection and sepsis, ultimately leading to death.
- Authorities also uncovered evidence of abuse against a 3-year-old boy, including being struck and thrown onto a bed by Delorme.
Legal Proceedings & Sentencing
Federal Court: U.S. District Court
Judge: Federal sentencing guidelines applied
Prosecutors: Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori H. Conroy & SheraLynn Ternes
Sentencing for Collin Delorme:
40 Years in Federal Prison for child abuse leading to the infant’s death and abuse of the 3-year-old. No possibility of parole due to federal sentencing guidelines. Permanent child abuse record under federal law.
Involvement of Kenzie Rose Baker
Kenzie Rose Baker, the child’s mother, was also charged in the case and pleaded guilty in August 2024 to:
- Accessory After the Fact
- Child Abuse in Indian Country
- Child Neglect in Indian Country
Baker is scheduled for sentencing later this month and could face several years in prison.
Statement from U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider
“This sentence provides a measure of accountability for the horrendous abuse and tragic death of a toddler,” Schneider said in a press release. “We will not hesitate to bring forceful prosecutions against child abusers in federal court. Our hope is that today’s sentence serves as a deterrence in our efforts to keep children safe.”
Federal & Tribal Law Enforcement Partnership
U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutors collaborate with tribal agencies including:
- Tribal Social Services
- Law Enforcement
- Tribal Court Prosecutors
- Behavioral Health Teams
These partnerships aim to prevent child abuse in tribal communities and ensure that perpetrators face the full force of federal prosecution.
Final Thoughts
With Delorme sentenced and Baker awaiting her own fate in federal court, authorities hope this case raises awareness about child abuse prevention on reservations. This case marks one of the most severe federal child abuse prosecutions in North Dakota in recent years.
Stay tuned for updates on Baker’s sentencing and further case developments.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me