GRAND FORKS — Days before he was scheduled to stand trial, a Grand Forks man changed his plea in a case involving the sexual assault of a child.

Ja'Haun Kardelle Stafford, 40, pleaded guilty Thursday, Nov. 13, to Class AA felony gross sexual imposition for forcing sexual contact that causes serious bodily injury, and Class C felony felonious restraint of a child victim.

The Class AA felony has a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Two charges, Class C felony child abuse and Class A misdemeanor wearing a mask during commission of a criminal offense, are anticipated to be dismissed under a plea agreement.

The offenses took place Feb. 20, 2024, and Stafford was charged shortly after. He pleaded not guilty a couple of months later, in April.

The pr

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