Valley City, Barnes County (trfnews.i234.me) — Convicted sex offender Austin Lee Fields is facing a new felony charge. He is from Valley City.
Fields is charged with gross sexual imposition. Court documents say the case involves a child victim.
What prosecutors allege
According to the criminal complaint, the alleged abuse happened on February 2, 2026. Prosecutors say the victim was a girl younger than 10.
The complaint alleges Fields sexually touched the child with his hand. Investigators have not released more details about the child.
In cases involving minors, names are not released. Many case records can be limited by law or court order.
What the charge means
North Dakota law defines gross sexual imposition in several ways. One section covers cases where a victim is younger than 15.
State law allows a Class AA filing in some cases. It can apply when the victim is under 15. The suspect must be 22 or older.
A Class AA felony can carry a sentence of up to life in prison without parole.
Custody status
The Barnes County jail roster listed Fields in custody on February 7. The roster showed an intake date of February 5.
The roster also listed bond at $50,000. The charge was listed as gross sexual imposition, victim under 15.
Jail rosters can change quickly. Bond can also change after a court hearing.
How to follow the case
Readers can search the case by name on the North Dakota Courts public access site. Search results may not show sealed filings.
You can also review the North Dakota Century Code section on sex offenses. Sentencing ranges are listed in the state penalties code.
For general public safety information, the North Dakota Sex Offender Registry offers a statewide search tool. Use it with care.
Important note
A charge is not proof of guilt. Fields is presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
If you or your family needs help, contact RAINN for support and hotline options.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.