N.D. man pleads guilty to aggravated sexual abuse

U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Tuesday, Garrett L. DeCoteau, 35, of Belcourt, N.D., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland to a charge of aggravated sexual abuse.

On Sept. 13, 2009, DeCoteau caused a victim to engage in a sexual act by

threatening or placing the victim in fear of death, serious bodily injury or kidnapping, authorities said.

The charge of aggravated sexual abuse carries a statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Indian Affairs - Turtle Mountain Agency.

Sentencing for DeCoteau has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Dec. 29, in U.S. District Court in Minot, North Dakota, at 2:00 p.m.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandi Sasse Russell is prosecuting the case.

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