A Rolla, North Dakota resident, Jace Fox, 25, received a federal sentence after being convicted of sexual abuse involving a minor. On April 4, 2025, Fox appeared in the United States District Court where Chief Judge Peter Welte sentenced him to 51 months in federal prison. Following his prison term, Fox will undergo 20 years of supervised release. Additionally, he is required to pay a $100 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, the case began in February 2022 when a forensic interview revealed that Jane Doe had been abused by Fox when she was 13 years old, and Fox was 20. Further investigations brought to light similar allegations from other minors against Fox.
In January 2023, Fox was interviewed by the FBI. He initially denied any knowledge of Jane Doe but later acknowledged knowing her while continuing to deny the abuse allegations. Despite his denial, Fox entered a guilty plea on November 19, 2024, for the sexual abuse charge concerning Jane Doe.
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI in Minneapolis commented on the case, describing the crime as "despicable" and emphasized the commitment of law enforcement to protect children. "The FBI and our partners are fully committed to protecting children from abuse and ensuring those who exploit or harm them face justice swiftly," Winston Sr. stated.
The investigation was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of North Dakota.