MINOT, N.D. – A judge has ordered a Belcourt man who admitted to sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl in 2009 to serve eight years behind bars and register as a sex offender, in an emotional hearing that included testimony from the victim’s family.
Prosecutors had charged 55-year-old Todd Trottier with four counts of gross sexual imposition. In July, Trottier pleaded guilty to one count, as part of a plea deal.
Investigators say the incidents would have occurred in March of 2009.
The state called members of the victim’s family to the stand, who testified as to how Trottier’s crimes impacted her.
“My daughter has a life sentence. You? This is nothing,” said the victim’s mother.
“She’ll never be the same. And what does he get? Minimal,” said another relative of the victim.
When given the chance to speak, Trottier said he took full responsibility for his actions.
Judge Richard Hagar upheld the state’s recommendation of a 12-year sentence Monday, with four years suspended, followed by 10 years of supervised probation.
“The innocence that was lost here, again, is very important,” said Hagar, in laying down his sentence.
Trottier will receive credit for 529 days already served. He must avoid contact with the victim and her family.
