John Doe Tarpeh, 29, was convicted of gross sexual imposition, a Class AA felony.<\/p>\n
The case involved a child younger than 15, according to court records.<\/p>\n
Cass County District Court Judge Stephanie Hayden imposed the sentence on October 26, 2026.<\/p>\n
Tarpeh must serve eight years in prison, with the remaining 17 years suspended.<\/p>\n
He will also face five years of supervised probation following his release.<\/p>\n
DNA Evidence Connected Suspect to Assault<\/h2>\n
The conviction stems from a sexual assault reported on June 30, 2024, in Fargo.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, the offense occurred at The Arbors apartment complex.<\/p>\n
Investigators collected forensic evidence during the investigation.<\/p>\n
The evidence was later examined by the North Dakota Office of Attorney General Crime Laboratory.<\/p>\n
Laboratory testing produced a DNA match linked to Tarpeh.<\/p>\n
The match came through the State DNA Index System, which maintains DNA profiles used in criminal investigations.<\/p>\n
Investigators used the forensic findings to connect Tarpeh to the reported assault.<\/p>\n
Authorities later sought additional DNA samples as part of their investigation.<\/p>\n
Formal criminal charges were filed in March 2025.<\/p>\n
Fargo Man Pleads Guilty to Class AA Felony<\/h2>\n
Tarpeh ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of gross sexual imposition.<\/p>\n
The charge involved an adult engaging in a sexual act with a victim younger than 15.<\/p>\n
Under North Dakota Century Code 12.1-20-03<\/a>, certain sexual offenses involving children are classified as Class AA felonies.<\/p>\n These offenses carry some of the state’s most serious criminal penalties.<\/p>\n The guilty plea resulted in a criminal conviction and a prison sentence.<\/p>\n The October 26 criminal judgment outlines the punishment imposed by the court.<\/p>\n Tarpeh received a 25-year sentence with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.<\/p>\n However, the judge suspended 17 years of that sentence.<\/p>\n That leaves eight years to serve under the court’s sentencing order.<\/p>\n The judgment also requires five years of supervised probation after incarceration.<\/p>\n Tarpeh must complete sex offender treatment and comply with the court’s supervision requirements.<\/p>\n The court imposed several conditions governing Tarpeh’s conduct after his release.<\/p>\n Those conditions prohibit contact with minors and restrict access to places primarily visited by children.<\/p>\n Tarpeh is also prohibited from possessing certain children’s items under the probation conditions.<\/p>\n The sentence requires him to register as a sex offender.<\/p>\n Registration information is maintained through the North Dakota Sex Offender Registry<\/a>.<\/p>\n Violating probation conditions could result in further court action.<\/p>\n The criminal judgment was entered in Cass County District Court on October 26, 2026.<\/p>\n Readers can search available court information through the North Dakota Courts Public Access System<\/a>.<\/p>\n The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation<\/a> also provides a public inmate lookup.<\/p>\n Additional reporting on the case is available from WDAY Radio<\/a>.<\/p>\n The conviction concludes the reported criminal case with a prison sentence and court-ordered supervision.<\/p>\n![\"Fargo](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/John-Doe-Tarpeh-1024x576.png\")
<\/a>Eight Years in Prison, 17 Years Suspended<\/h2>\n
Strict Restrictions Following Prison Release<\/h2>\n
Public Records and Corrections Information<\/h2>\n