Jamestown woman charged with felony sexual conduct involving minor

Valerie Rae Mann, 19, of Jamestown, was formally charged with gross sexual imposition, a Class A felony, after charging documents allege she engaged in sexual conduct with a 14-year-old boy. The county charging documents allege the encounters began in early January and occurred repeatedly, and they say the 14-year-old admitted the encounters. Mann was charged on January 14 and made an initial appearance in Southeast District Court on January 15.

The court set bond, requiring cash or surety, and Mann appeared on the Stutsman County Correctional Center inmate roster at the time of reporting. A preliminary hearing and arraignment are scheduled for February 4, and a jury trial is set for May 12. Those dates will determine next steps in the criminal process, including possible plea negotiations or further pretrial motions.

Gross sexual imposition as charged is a felony-level offense that carries significant consequences if a conviction occurs. Beyond potential prison terms and fines under state law, a conviction would trigger sex-offender registration requirements that affect residency, employment, and community notification. Legal safeguards, including the presumption of innocence and access to counsel, will govern the proceedings as the case moves through Southeast District Court.

For Stutsman County residents, the case touches on community safety, the protection of minors, and the transparency of local justice institutions. Parents and families will likely follow court activity closely, and local leaders and law-enforcement officials may face questions about prevention, reporting, and support for victims. The county correctional center listing and scheduled court calendar make the matter public, but charging documents represent allegations that must be tested in court.

The upcoming preliminary hearing will be an early test of the prosecution’s evidence and may set the scope of issues for trial. Residents interested in observing court proceedings can do so through the Southeast District Court’s public dockets. Community members who have information relevant to the investigation should contact local law enforcement to ensure evidence is available to investigators and prosecutors.

This case underscores the intersection of criminal justice procedure and community welfare in Jamestown. As the matter progresses to the February preliminary hearing and the May jury trial, local attention will turn to how authorities handle investigation, disclosure, and victim support — and to the outcome, which will determine legal penalties and any required registration under state law.