A Dickinson resident pleaded guilty to three counts of gross sexual imposition, a Class A felony.
Jafari Amuri, 32, appeared in Stark County District Court Tuesday before Judge James Gion for the change of plea hearing.
In July, in Stark County, Amuri put his hand on the bare rear of the 13-year-old victim while she was asleep "for the purpose of arousing or satisfying sexual or aggressive desires," according to the criminal complaint.
He was previously charged with gross sexual imposition in January. The case was going to jury trial in August when the new charges arised.
In January, Amuri groped the victim's genitals while she was asleep, according to the criminal complaint.
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Amuri is not a U.S. citizen, but has been a green card resident under refugee status for the last 20 years.
Amuri's attorney, Public Defender Steven D. Mottinger, explained that Amuri will likely be facing deportation proceedings.
"He's aware of the fact that these are deportable offenses," he said, "and that once he's done with his sentence, he'll probably go into immigration custody."
Mottinger said in court that in interviews prior to being arrested Amuri admitted to "contact he had with the minor child on that particular evening."
In North Dakota, a Class A felony carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail and/or a $20,000 fine, and minimum fines totaling $1,025.
Amuri received $25,000 cash bond following the charges in July.
Following the acceptance of Amuri's plea, a presentence investigation was ordered.
Gion explained to Amuri that depending on the results of the investigation, he could reject the plea agreement. Amuri could then withdraw his guilty pleas, and the case could go to trial.
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A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.