WEST FARGO, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) — Nicolas Colin Wika is asking the North Dakota Supreme Court to overturn his child sexual abuse convictions.
The West Fargo man is serving a life sentence following a Cass County jury verdict. His lawyers say the prosecution failed to provide enough evidence to prove its case.
West Fargo Man Sentenced to Life in Prison
Jurors found Wika guilty of three counts of gross sexual imposition on December 5, 2025. The charges involved the sexual abuse of a child younger than 15.
Judge Wade Webb sentenced Wika on March 31, 2026. He received life sentences on two counts and a 20-year sentence on the third. Wika becomes eligible for parole consideration after serving 30 years.
Wika was arrested in July 2025 following an investigation by West Fargo police. The investigation began after an adult reported that the child feared being near Wika.
Investigators worked with the Red River Children’s Advocacy Center during the case. Webb also ordered Wika to avoid contact with the victim during imprisonment and after any release.
Defense Challenges Evidence and Timeline
Defense attorney Kiara Kraus-Parr argues the evidence did not support the jury’s decision. The appeal points to a lack of DNA and other physical evidence. It also cites a medical exam that found no injuries.
Wika claims the child may have described sexual activity between consenting adults inside the home. His lawyers argue that the child was not describing abuse directed at the child.
An adult from the household testified that they did not believe the allegations.
The defense also challenges the dates listed in the charges. Housing records show the family had not moved into the townhouse during part of that period.
Wika’s appeal argues that this conflict raises doubts about the prosecution’s timeline.
Prosecutors Ask Court to Uphold Convictions
Assistant Cass County State’s Attorney Nicholas S. Samuelson argues the convictions should remain in place.
He says a victim’s testimony can support a conviction without DNA or other physical evidence.
Prosecutors also say the jury already weighed the testimony and decided which witnesses to believe. The state argues that appellate judges should not simply replace the jury’s view of credibility.
North Dakota Supreme Court Hearing Set for November 10
The North Dakota Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments at 1:30 p.m. on November 10, 2026.
Lawyers for both sides will present their positions to the justices. The scheduled hearing does not mean a decision will be announced that day.
Readers can check the North Dakota Supreme Court calendar and public appeals docket for case updates.
Wika’s convictions remain in effect while the court considers his challenge.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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